OPERATION JERICHO
1. Context
The use of air power in Mizoram in 1966 has become a hot topic of discussion after Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned it in the Lok Sabha while replying to the no confidence motion
2. Situation of Mizoram in 1966
- In the first two months of 1966, a separatist movement led by Mizo National Front (MNF) was gathering steam in the area now known as Mizoram, and then referred to as the Mizo Hills
- The Centre had decided to station another Assam Rifles battalion in the Hills, in addition to the one Assam Rifles battalion and a few BSF companies already present
- Incensed at this, the MNF leadership decided to launch ‘Operation Jericho’ to take control of Aizawl, the biggest town in the region, and then the entire Mizo hills
- Incensed at this, the MNF leadership decided to launch ‘Operation Jericho’ to take control of Aizawl, the biggest town in the region, and then the entire Mizo hills.
3. Operation Jericho
- Operation Jericho was a British military operation during World War II that involved the bombing of the Tirpitz, a German battleship, in Kaafjord, Norway. The operation was carried out on September 15, 1943, by a force of 22 Avro Lancaster bombers of No. 617 Squadron RAF
- The operation was aimed at freeing members of the French Resistance who were being held in the Amiens prison in German-occupied France.
- The prison held many political prisoners, including members of the Resistance who were due to be executed.
- Operation Jericho remains a notable and debated event in the history of World War II. It is often discussed in the context of the difficult decisions faced by military commanders when planning operations that involve balancing strategic goals with potential civilian casualties and collateral damage
4. Way forward
Operation Jericho was a major victory for the Allies and helped to secure the supply lines to Britain. The sinking of the Tirpitz also showed the Germans that the Allies were capable of carrying out daring and successful operations.
The operation was named after the biblical city of Jericho, which was destroyed by the Israelites. The British hoped that the operation would be equally successful in destroying the Tirpitz.
The operation was a success, but it came at a high cost. Eight of the Lancaster bombers were shot down and 53 airmen were killed. However, the sinking of the Tirpitz was a major victory for the Allies and helped to secure the supply lines to Britain.
Source: indianexpress
