India-Pakistan Tensions: Pakistan's Targets, India's Response And Other Key Highlights From MEA Briefing

Tension and action at the India-Pakistan border increased early Saturday when Pakistan attacked Indian civilian as well as defence stations for a second night running. India responded swiftly to the aggression.

India has also observed more Pakistani troop movement towards its western borders, which is not a de-escalatory move. Moreover, with a lot of fake news floating on social media, the Indian government explained the situation in a media briefing led by Foreign Secretary Vikram, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh.

Here are the five key highlights from the briefing:

Pakistan targetted 26 Indian locations, both civilian and defence, early Saturday.

The targets by Pakistan included Indian airbase stations of Udhampur, Pathankot, Adampur and Bhuj.

Pakistan used high-speed missiles at 1:40 am to target Punjab's air base.

Pakistan also continued its hostilities by targeting places of worship like the famous Shambhu Temple and residential areas in Jammu.

Earlier this morning, Pakistan shelled the town of Rajouri, killing the Additional District Development Commissioner, Shri Raj Kumar Thapa, adding to civilian casualties, informed India's foreign secretary.

Indian armed forces carried out precision attacks only on identified military targets, these included technical infrastructure, command and control centers, radar sites and weapon storage areas.

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh briefed the media that the India responded swiftly to Pakistan aggression on early May 10.

Heavy exchange of artillery, mortars and small arms fire happened in the Baramulla and Poonch sectors.

"After Pakistan deliberately targeted air bases, Indian armed forces took a quick and well-planned retaliatory action and targeted technical installations, command & control centres, radar sites and arms store. Pakistan military bases at Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur and Chunian were targeted through air launch, precision ammunition and fighter jets. Radar site in Pasrur and aviation base in Sialkot were also targeted with precision ammunition. During these actions, India ensured minimum collateral damage and losses," said Colonel Qureshi.

Colonel Qureshi in her briefing also added that it was disturbing to see that Pakistan was using commercial airlines as shield.

"It is a matter of concern that taking the cover of civilian aircraft taking off from Lahore, Pakistan misused international air routes. So that they can hide their activities. Such tactics compelled the Indian air defence system to act with great patience while ensuring civilian security," she explained.

India has strongly condemned fake news being spread by Pakistan in this conflict.

"Pakistan's lame attempts to divide India by making false claims are doomed to failure," said the foreign secretary.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said it is Pakistan’s actions that have led to repeated provocations and escalations along the border. He added that India has consistently responded in a responsible and measured manner.

The armed forces' spokespersons said that the Indian armed forces remain in a high state of operational readiness.

"All hostile actions have been effectively countered and responded to appropriately. Indian armed forces armed forces, reiterate their commitment to nonescalation, provided it is reciprocated by the Pakistan military," said Wing Commander Singh.