New Delhi, February 26: Hours after the Indian Air Force conducted the surgical strikes on terror camps of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Balakote, Muzaffarabad and Chakothi, Australia on Tuesday asked both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint. Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said, “Australia urges both sides to exercise restraint, avoid any action which would endanger peace and security in the region and engage in dialogue to ensure that these issues are resolved peacefully.” 'Surgical Strikes 2': PM Modi Says 'Nation in Safe Hands' Hours After IAF Raids Largest JeM Camp in Pakistan.

Statement of Payne:

Payne also asked Pakistan to take urgent action against terrorist groups in its territory including JeM. The Australian Foreign Minister further added, “Pakistan must do everything to implement its own proscription of JeM. It can't allow extremist groups to operate from its territory.” Payne also condemned the February 14 Pulwama attack carried out by the Pakistan-based terror organisation. How IAF Destroyed JeM Camps in Balakot, Chakothi and Muzaffarabad Across LoC in Pakistan: Timeline And Video of Surgical Strike 2.

Surgical Strikes by IAF:

Earlier, in the day, China also appealed both the subcontinental nations to "exercise restraint". Instead of a military confrontation. Beijing also asked Islamabad and New Delhi to cooperate for combating terror. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang, while briefing the media, said Beijing has "taken note" of the action carried out by India in the wee hours of Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has warned India of a stiff retaliation at a "time and place of our choosing". The National Security Committee (NSC), whose meeting was convened by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan following the pre-dawn attack, said "India has committed uncalled for aggression" which deserves a retaliation.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 26, 2019 06:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).