High-resolution satellite images show that the building, which India has claimed to bomb after intruding into Pakistan’s airspace, is still standing.
On February 26, the Pakistan Air Force thwarted an early morning incursion into its airspace by Indian fighter aircraft forcing them to flee; however, India claimed that it completed its mission and bombed a religious school allegedly run by Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM). India is yet to provide any evidence of it.
According to Reuters, the image is virtually unchanged from an April 2018 satellite photo of the facility. There are no discernible holes in the roofs of buildings, no signs of scorching, blown-out walls, displaced trees around the madrasa or other signs of an aerial attack.
The images cast further doubt on statements made over the last eight days by the Indian government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the February 26 raids had hit all the intended targets at the madrasa site near Jaba village and the town of Balakot in Pakistan.
Tensions between Pakistan and India have escalated since the Pulwama attack of February 14; following which, India had intruded into Pakistan’s airspace and in retaliation Pakistan downed two Indian jets and captured an Indian pilot, who was later released as a peace gesture.
Social Media Reaction:
On February 26, the Pakistan Air Force thwarted an early morning incursion into its airspace by Indian fighter aircraft forcing them to flee; however, India claimed that it completed its mission and bombed a religious school allegedly run by Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM). India is yet to provide any evidence of it.
According to Reuters, the image is virtually unchanged from an April 2018 satellite photo of the facility. There are no discernible holes in the roofs of buildings, no signs of scorching, blown-out walls, displaced trees around the madrasa or other signs of an aerial attack.
The images cast further doubt on statements made over the last eight days by the Indian government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the February 26 raids had hit all the intended targets at the madrasa site near Jaba village and the town of Balakot in Pakistan.
Tensions between Pakistan and India have escalated since the Pulwama attack of February 14; following which, India had intruded into Pakistan’s airspace and in retaliation Pakistan downed two Indian jets and captured an Indian pilot, who was later released as a peace gesture.
Social Media Reaction:
Two key takeaways from Reuters analysis of high-resolution satellite images of JeM madrassa in #Balakot that India says it struck:
1. No evidence of bomb damage. 2. The 2000-lb bomb used “is meant to destroy hardened targets such as concrete shelters.”https://t.co/bBxQ7YerSS
— Sadanand Dhume (@dhume) March 6, 2019
More evidence emerging from the International Community....https://t.co/Qe2fGhx8N5
— Sumanth Raman (@sumanthraman) March 6, 2019
After casualties numbers ranging from 100 to 400 now this..!
https://t.co/HWcwCcQFwa
— Ankit (@AnkitSLK) March 6, 2019
Who need proof of so called #SurgicalStrike2
Satellite images show madrasa buildings still standing at scene of Indian bombing | Article [AMP] | Reuters https://t.co/MLR5sl0Rwc
— Arsalan Ahmed (@KomplexVariable) March 6, 2019
Did 'Sources' mislead us even on the 1000kg bombs being used? https://t.co/5uS8yTPBrI
— Vasu (@vasudevan_k) March 6, 2019