India confirms IAF’s Mig-21 shot down by Pakistan, pilot missing
NEW DELHI (92 Web Desk) – India’s foreign ministry spokesman on Wednesday confirmed that Pakistan shot down its Mig-21 and Wing Commander Abhinandan was missing.
Addressing a presser, the Indian MEA spokesperson said, “We have unfortunately lost one MiG-21 in this engagement and an Indian pilot is missing in action. Pakistan claims the pilot is in their custody, however we are ascertaining the facts.”
“In the aerial engagement, a Pakistan fighter aircraft was shot down by a MiG-21 Bison. The aircraft was seen by ground forces falling on the Pakistan side,” he added.
Moments earlier, Indian media confirmed an Indian Air Force (IAF) wing commander is in Pakistan's custody.
“IAF pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan took off in a Mig-21 Bison jet today, he is yet to return,” Indian media channel ‘ANI’ reported.
Sources: IAF pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan took off in a MiG 21 Bison jet today, he is yet to return pic.twitter.com/coryHqeRsR
— ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2019
We are a responsible state and want peace, declares DG ISPR
DG ISPR Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor has said that the Pak Army and the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) had no option except to respond to Indian aggression.
Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, he said that Pakistan does not want to push the region to the war. “No one wins a war and only humanity loses. We are a responsible state and want peace. The war is not a solution to any problem. We do not want to do anything which will prove our irresponsibility,” he said.
There is only one pilot under Pakistan Army’s custody. Wing Comd Abhi Nandan is being treated as per norms of military ethics. pic.twitter.com/8IQ5BPhLj2
— Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) February 27, 2019
Two pilots killed as two Indian jets shot down by PAF: DG ISPR
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) shot down two Indian jets on Wednesday, giving the first surprise to India. According to the ISPR, the Indian jets had violated the Line of Control. The PAF gave a timely response and destroyed them.
The Pak Army jawans arrested one of the pilots. The wreckage of one of the jets fell in the Pakistani territory, while the wreckage of another jet fell in Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
