The Indian Air Force chief BS Dhanoa today when asked on the count of the terrorists killed in Balakot air strikes said that “can’t count how many people died”.
The Air Chief addressing a press conference in Coimbatore told the media persons that, “IAF is not in a position to clarify the number of casualties. The government will clarify that. We don’t count human casualties, we count what targets we have hit or not”.
He further added, “The target has been clearly amplified by foreign affairs in his statement. If we plan to hit the target, we hit the target, otherwise why would have the Pakistan PM responded, if we dropped bombs in the jungles why would he respond.”
There is a political storm in the country over the number of terrorists killed in the Air strikes on the 26th of February. The world media reported uncertainty over the air strikes, after quoting locals in the area.
The government nor the air force have put out official figures on the casualty and the extent of damage conducted during the air strikes.
On Sunday, the BJP President Amit Shah claimed that over “250 terrorists were killed”.
The Air Chief also commented on Wing Commander Abhinandhan Varthaman,”Whether he flies or not depends on his medical fitness. That’s why post ejection, he has undergone medical check. Whatever treatment required, will be given. Once we get his medical fitness, he will get into fighter cockpit”.
The Air Chief said that the MiG 21 Bison aircraft is capable aircraft to fight the enemy, “The Mig-21 Bison is a capable aircraft, it has been upgraded, it has better radar, air-to air missiles and better weapons system.”