On this day five years ago, the Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted the Balakot airstrikes in Pakistan, as a response to the Pulwama attack on February 14. 

Code-named 'Operation Bandar', the airstrikes marked a significant retaliation against terrorism. Here's a detailed timeline leading up to the Balakot airstrikes.

40 CRPF personnel were killed in the Pulwama attack. This was one of the deadliest attacks in terms of casualties in Jammu and Kashmir.

India vows to isolate Pakistan internationally.

The mortal remains of the 40 CRPF soldiers are laid to rest in their hometowns.

Nine people, including an Army Major and three JeM terrorists, are killed in a gun battle that lasted close to 18 hours in the Pinglena area of Pulwama.

Then Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan breaks silence on the Pulwama terror attack; says his country would retaliate if India took military action

National Investigation Agency (NIA) takes over the Pulwama terror attack case and names JeM in the FIR.

Pakistani government takes ‘administrative control’ of the JeM headquarters. 

Centre rushes about 10,000 central forces personnel to the Kashmir valley to strengthen the counter-insurgency operations.

Indian Air Force carried out airstrikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed's terrorist training camp in Balakot, Pakistan.

IAF pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was captured by Pakistan.

Pakistan suspended the Samjhauta Express train service between the two countries.