Pakistan Air Force Shot Down Indian Jets Amid Escalating Conflict With India

Tensions in South Asia surged this week as the Pakistan Air Force shot down Indian jets in response to missile strikes launched by India across the border. According to Pakistan’s defense chief, five Indian Air Force fighter jets and a drone were downed after India carried out its most aggressive military operation since the 1971 war, targeting sites in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Punjab.

The strikes follow the April 22 Pahalgam massacre, which killed 26 civilians in Indian-administered Kashmir and reignited longstanding hostilities between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

India’s Operation Sindoor: A Calculated Response

India’s government described its actions as measured and targeted, saying they struck only “terrorist infrastructure”. According to officials, no Pakistani civilian or military targets were hit, though Pakistan disputes this, saying residential and religious sites were impacted.

India blamed Pakistan for the April attack, while Islamabad denies any involvement. In its first response, India’s military posted on X: “Justice is served. Jai Hind!”

Aircraft Losses and Military Activity

Pakistan says its forces shot down three Rafale jets, one MiG-29, one SU-30, and an Indian Heron drone. No confirmation has yet come from India. The air engagement reportedly occurred along the Line of Control and near Bhatinda and Akhnoor in Indian territory.

Cross-border shelling continued through the day, killing three civilians in Indian-administered Kashmir, according to Indian authorities.

Border Closures and Flight Disruptions

Pakistan closed its airspace for 48 hours, affecting flights across Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad, as well as diverting global routes. India closed schools in Jammu and suspended flights in key northern cities including Srinagar and Amritsar.

Airlines like Qatar Airways temporarily suspended operations to Pakistan, while IndiGo and SpiceJet confirmed route disruptions.

Global Reactions and Diplomatic Pressure

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he is “monitoring the situation closely,” urging both countries to de-escalate. The UAE and UN Secretary-General António Guterres echoed similar concerns, warning of the dangers of military confrontation between two nuclear-armed nations.

Historical Context: Kashmir Remains a Flashpoint

India and Pakistan have fought three full-scale wars over Kashmir, a heavily militarized region both claim in full. This current flare-up is the most significant military escalation since 2019, when India carried out airstrikes after a deadly suicide bombing.

Both sides continue to exchange artillery fire across the Line of Control, and diplomatic relations remain strained.

Do you think global diplomacy will be enough to prevent further escalation between India and Pakistan?

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

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