Pakistan today commemorates the fifth anniversary of “Operation Swift Retort” to honor the courageous Pakistan Armed Forces for showcasing their resilience and determination in the face of an Indian attempt to execute any misadventure.
On this day in 2019, the Pakistan Air Force effectively safeguarded the nation by shooting down an Indian aircraft that had violated Pakistani airspace and apprehensibly held an Indian pilot.
READ MORE: Indian Pilot Abhinandan Release Ceremony Wagha Border
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated in a statement that February 27, 2019, marked a significant event in our history, demonstrating the resolve of the people of Pakistan and the professionalism of the Armed Forces in response to unwarranted aggression from India, motivated by political considerations and electoral concerns.
The Armed Forces of Pakistan vowed that any aggression against the people of Pakistan, its sovereignty, and territorial integrity, will be responded to immediately with full might and without any hesitation.
“As a state committed to peace, we shall continue to emphasize the importance of peaceful coexistence with our neighbors,” read the statement.
Operation Swift Retort
On February 26, India claimed of surgical strike and violated Pakistan’s airspace near Balakot. However, IAF jets fled, and an Indian false claim of destroying a terrorist training camp was debunked.
Pakistan exposed India’s fake security strikes to the global media, responding with two IAF jets downing. Pakistan’s Air Force engaged Indian aircraft, downing some and capturing a pilot. India destroyed its helicopter.
Two Indian planes fell, one inside Pakistan’s borders and the other with Wing Commander Abhinanand Varthaman captured alive. After being held under custody for two days, Abhinandan was letter released and handed over to Indian authorities under a goodwill gesture.
During his interrogation by Pakistani authorities, he was given tea and upon asking by an official about how is the tea, Wing Commander Abhinanand Varthaman’s reply, “Tea is Fantastic’ went viral on social media.