India claims carrying out ‘surgical strikes’ along LoC in Kashmir

India’s military has carried out “surgical strikes” along the de facto border with Pakistan in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) to thwart a series of attacks being planned against major cities, a senior army officer said Thursday.

READ MORE: Indian army resorts to unprovoked firing at LoC, Pak army soldiers killed

“India conducted surgical strikes last night across the LoC to safeguard our nation, the Indian Defence Ministry said on Thursday. Significant casualties have been caused to terrorists and those trying to shield them (Sic). We don’t have a plan to further conduct such strikes. India has spoken to Pakistan,” DGMO Lt Gen Ranbir Singh said, Indian Express reported.

“There were launch pads across the LoC where terrorists were present waiting to infiltrate the nation and attack areas in Kashmir and metros across the country,” the DGMO alleged. No Indian casualties occurred during the surgical strikes that were carried out last night by the Indian Army.

“We have recovered items including GPS which have Pakistani markings. Captured terrorists hailing from PoK or Pakistan have confessed to their training in Pakistan or in Pakistan controlled region,” Singh said.

“I spoke to the Pak DGMO, shared our concerns and told him that we conducted surgical strikes last night: DGMO Singh said.

Two Pakistan Army soldiers were killed on Thursday as Indian forces resorted to unprovoked firing along the Loc in Bhimber, Kel and Lipa sectors, ISPR said.

According to the reports, Pakistani troops mounted a fitting response to unprovoked Indian firing in Battal, Saribandala, Nowkot Leepa valley and Doodniyal areas along the LoC. The exchange of fire began after midnight and continued till 8:00 am, ISPR reported.

At least two Army men were killed as Indian and Pakistani troops exchanged fire, ISPR reported.

Mortar shells were also fired by Indian forces during LoC violation.

Pakistani security forces returned fire at the Indian forces.

Earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security to discuss the ceasefire violations along the Line of Control.

The latest incident of cross-border firing comes as tensions simmer between Pakistan and India over the Kashmir issue, days after India accused Pakistan of involvement in the Uri army base attack in India-held Kashmir.