Pak Downs Five Indian Fighter Jets, Destroys Brigade HQ in Retaliatory Strikes
News Desk
Islamabad: In a dramatic escalation of hostilities between India and Pakistan, the Pakistan armed forces have launched powerful retaliatory strikes in response to Indian missile attacks earlier in the night. According to Pakistan’s military, the strikes resulted in the downing of five Indian Air Force (IAF) jets, the destruction of an Indian Army brigade headquarters, and the elimination of multiple checkposts along the Line of Control (LoC).
Director-General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, confirmed that all Pakistan Air Force (PAF) jets returned safely after engaging enemy aircraft. He stated that the Pakistani military had shot down three French-made Rafale jets, one Su-30MKI, and one MiG-29 Fulcrum — a claim also reported by Reuters, citing a military spokesperson.
A drone was also downed, and a key Indian military post in the Dhundial sector of the LoC was destroyed during the exchange. Intense shelling is ongoing along the LoC, with Pakistani ground forces engaging Indian positions.
Lt Gen Chaudhry revealed that the Indian missile strikes earlier targeted civilian areas, including mosques and residential neighborhoods, in Punjab and Azad Kashmir, resulting in at least eight Pakistani civilians killed and 35 injured. Cities affected include Kotli, Bahawalpur, Muridke, Bagh, and Muzaffarabad, where residents reported loud explosions and widespread blackouts, particularly in mountainous areas near Muzaffarabad.
“India carried out 24 strikes across six sites using precision munitions, deliberately hitting non-military targets. This act of aggression will not go unanswered,” the ISPR chief said.
India’s missile strikes came amid surging tensions following last month’s attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir, which left 26 dead in Pahalgam, Indian authorities say. India blamed Pakistan-based militants for the assault, a claim Pakistan has denied.
The volatile situation has drawn urgent international attention. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly spoke separately with national security advisors from both India and Pakistan, urging restraint and dialogue to avoid further escalation between the nuclear-armed neighbours.
The situation remains fluid, with both countries’ armed forces on high alert. Cross-border shelling continues, and fears of a broader military conflict are growing.
This is a developing story. Stay with us for continuing updates and in-depth analysis.
Additional input From GEO News
