Codenamed as ‘Operation Bandar’, the airstrike was conducted by the seventh and ninth squadrons of the Indian Air Force.After the strike, over two dozen fighter planes, including F-16s left Pakistani bases aiming to hit the Indian military installations. But the Indian Air force in anticipation of such an attack was ready and aerial dogfight ensued. It ended with Wing Commander Varthaman, shooting down an F-16 fighter plane of Pakistan and getting hit in the process.Varthaman exited safely but was captured. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan had announced the capture and India demanded his unconditional and safe return.Back then, the US played a role in the release of the officer, who safely returned to India.
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