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In audio message, JeM admits damage to training camp in Pakistan after Indian strikes

WION Web Team
New Delhi, Delhi, IndiaUpdated: Mar 03, 2019, 07:55 AM IST
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File photo of Masood Azhar. Photograph:(AFP)

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Pakistan has maintained that India bombed what was apparently a forest reserve and denied any casualties. 

In the latest development with respect to the Pulwama terror attack, an audio clip has emerged which is believed to carry a message from Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar's brother. 

In the clip, accessed by WION, the JeM leader admits damage to its training centre by Indian aircraft. The clip has surfaced even when Pak Prime Minister Imran Khan has denied the presence of any terror camps in Balakot when the Indian Air Force carried out strikes earlier this week. 

The audio message is believed to be delivered by Azhar's younger brother Maulana Amman who is heard admitting that the Indian aircraft have bombed shelters where jihadis were being trained.

Pakistan has maintained that India bombed what was apparently a forest reserve.

Meanwhile, an Italian journalist has told WION that between 40 to 50 people were killed in the Indian air strikes on Pakistan's Balakot on Tuesday night. The air strikes — carried out by Mirage 2000s — Indian authorities have said, targeted a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp. 

Reports in the Indian media had earlier said the death toll may have been as high as 350. The Pakistanis had said there had been no deaths at all. 

The journalist — Francesca Marino — told WION that she had got confirmation from her source that the death toll was between 40 and 50, and the wounded between 35 to 40. 

She told WION's Bhairavi Singh her source was a person living in the area. 

"Yesterday I've got confirmations... 100% reliable confirmations," Marino, who was speaking from Rome, told WION. 

She added that the dead included 12 young trainees of the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group who had all been sleeping in the same area. 

Marino told WION that the dead included a JeM trainer called Mufti Moeen, and a bomb expert called Usman Ghani.  

Mario added that "the population there is very scared, it is very difficult to get evidence out of there" but that "I am confident I will also get some video proof".