27 terrorists preparing to attack India in new Balakot camp, says report

The Balakot terror camp in Pakistan which was bombed by the Indian Air Force (IAF) fighters in February 2019, is reportedly active with over 27 terrorists being trained at the base by Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

The terrorists under training are planning to launch terror attacks in India and it is said that their training might come to an end this week, The Hindustan Times reported.

Reports claim, of the 27, eight terrorists are from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir who are being skilled by instructors from Punjab, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The HT report says, their aim would be to counter the Indian narrative on both Balakot and Kashmir, and present India internationally as a threat to global peace and security.

This is most likely a fresh offensive on India at a time when 40 JeM functionaries are in custody.

According to reports, more than 100 terrorists are active in Kashmir Valley currently. Indian officials have informed that 59 of them are affiliated to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), 37 to JeM, and six belong to the Hizbul Mujahideen, as per HT report.

In November 2019, Union minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy in Rajya Sabha while replying to a question had said that attempts are being made by Pakistan-based terror outfits to reactivate its camp at Balakot and restart their religious and Jihadi indoctrination courses against India”.

The IAF fighters had destroyed the terror camp at Balakot on February 26 after terrorists attacked a convoy of CRPF vehicles, 40 jawans killed on February 14.

(With inputs from agencies)