EU urges 'maximum restraint' from India, Pakistan

India said its warplanes attacked a militant camp where Pakistan-backed fighters

BRUSSELS (AFP) - The EU on Tuesday called on New Delhi and Islamabad to exercise "maximum restraint".

"We remain in contact with both countries and what we believe is essential is that all exercise maximum restraint and avoid further escalation of tensions," EU spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic told reporters.

Pakistani officials have confirmed Indian planes breached its airspace and dropped a payload over Balakot in the country s northwest, condemning it as "uncalled for aggression" but insisting there was no damage or casualties.

The escalation came after a February 14 suicide bombing claimed by JeM that killed 40 troops in Indian Kashmir, setting off a chain of threats and counter-warnings between the neighbours, who have fought three wars since independence from Britain in 1947.

Earlier, Indian Air Force aircrafts violated Line of Control (LoC) on early Tuesday, Director General (DG) Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in his tweet.

Indian aircrafts’ intrusion across LOC in Muzafarabad Sector within AJ&K was 3-4 miles.Under forced hasty withdrawal aircrafts released payload which had free fall in open area. No infrastructure got hit, no casualties. Technical details and other important information to follow.

— Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) February 26, 2019

He said Indian aircrafts intruded from Muzafarabad sector. Facing timely and effective response from Pakistan Air Force released payload in haste while escaping which fell near Balakot. No casualties or damage.

Indian Air Force violated Line of Control. Pakistan Air Force immediately scrambled. Indian aircrafts gone back. Details to follow.

— Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) February 25, 2019

In his post on official Twitter account, Major General Asif Ghafoor said that Pakistani Air Force "immediately scrambled" after which the Indian planes returned.