Pakistan Downs Indian Fighter Jets Including Three French-Made Rafales Amid Escalation
The Pakistan Air Force has shot down five Indian Air Force fighter jets in response to missile strikes launched by India, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed early Wednesday in an interview with Geo TV. The retaliation follows what Islamabad labeled as cross-border aggression by New Delhi.
Military spokesman Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry confirmed that two Indian aircraft were downed and hinted at broader damage inflicted by Pakistani forces. “There are other reports of multiple damage… But I can confirm to you that at least two aircraft of the Indian Air Force have been downed,” Chaudhry told CNN. Pakistani security sources identified the downed jets as three Rafales, one MiG-29, and one SU-30, all reportedly intercepted while attempting to strike targets in Pakistan from Indian airspace.
Earlier, Indian forces had launched missile strikes on six locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, including Bahawalpur, Muridke, Bagh, Muzaffarabad, and Kotli. At least eight civilians were killed and 35 injured, with two missing, according to Pakistani officials. India has yet to issue an official statement in response to Pakistan’s claims.
The escalation follows a deadly April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, which left 26 people dead. India accused Pakistan of involvement, a claim Pakistan has denied. Amid rising tensions, the U.S. has called for restraint.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated he was closely monitoring the situation and expressed hopes for a peaceful resolution. Meanwhile, Pakistan has closed its airspace for 48 hours, and several airports in northern India have suspended operations. Qatar Airways has temporarily halted flights to Pakistan due to the airspace shutdown.
