Indian Air Force jets downed by Pakistan amid missile strikes, claims DG ISPR (Defense Spokesperson)
The Ruckus Unfolds:
In a heated escalation between Pakistan and India, the Pakistani military tabulated the takedown of five Indian Air Force jets, featuring three Rafales, following India's missile attacks as per a statement by Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), during his recent press conference.
Previously, Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had shared this information with Bloomberg.
The devastating consequences of the Indian missile attacks inside Pakistan resulted in the death of at least 26 Pakistanis, with 45 injured across 6 locations, according to DG ISPR.
Cities like Bahawalpur, Kotli, Muzaffarabad, and the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project bore the brunt of these attacks.
The downed aircraft included three Rafales, one MiG-21, one SU-30, and an Indian combat drone, revealed DG ISPR. The Indian brigade headquarters and checkpoint along the Line of Control were additionally destroyed.
"Throughout the clash, no Indian avionics breached our territory, as none of our aircraft ventured into Indian airspace," assured Lt Gen Chaudhry.
Earlier, PTV News reported the Pakistani forces firmly responding to Indian aggression. Lt Gen Chaudhry had previously warned of a retaliation at a time of Pakistan's choosing. He also maintained that Pakistan Air Force jets were vigilant, ensuring Indian fighter jets did not trespass Pakistan's airspace.
One of the attacks targeted Masjid SubhanAllah, near Ahmedpur Sharqia, resulting in the loss of at least eight lives and injuries to 35 others, confirmed DG ISPR.
The feud between Pakistan and India deteriorated rapidly following the lethal April 22 incident in Pahalgam, Occupied Kashmir, which left 26 victims, primarily tourists, dead.
India accusing cross-border elements for the attack, an assertion Pakistan promptly refuted, called for a thorough, independent inquiry. Both parties had registered heightened alert since then. Pakistan reinforced its troops along the border, anticipating a possible incursion. India's leadership conferred "operational freedom" upon its military, fuelling concerns of further aggravation.
In spite of backchannel diplomatic attempts to manage the repercussions, tension persisted. Pakistan's military had declared its readiness for a "swift" response to any hostility, while India hinted it wouldn't hesitate to address what it considered terror threats emerging from across the border.
India's Assertion of a Strike:
Multiple booms resounded in various Pakistani and Azaad Kashmir locations, as India declared it had assaulted "terrorist infrastructure" in nine sites. Upon the explosions, electricity was cut off in Muzaffarabad, Azaad Kashmir's capital, witnesses detailed.
"India has just activated 'OPERATION SINDOOR'," announced the Indian government in a statement. "Our operations have been carefully orchestrated, measured, and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military installations were targeted, as India has shown remarkable composure in their target selection and execution method," it boasted.
Trump's Sideline Remarks:
US President Donald Trump uttered the Indian strikes against targets in Pakistan to be a "regrettable" event. Prior to this, Trump discussed the intensification of hostilities that took place in recent hours with the press at the White House.
- Pakistan's capital, Muzaffarabad, experienced power cuts after India confirmed launching missile attacks on alleged terrorist infrastructure within Pakistan.
- Despite international condemnation, the Pakistani military was reportedly ready for a swift response to any Indian hostility, adding shame to the long-standing conflict between the two nations.
- In a bid to de-escalate tensions, the Pakistani military, capable of retaliation, sought a thorough, independent inquiry into the missile attacks that downed several Indian military aircraft, including modern Rafale jets.
