Pakistan Claims It Shot Down Five Indian Fighter Jets After Cross-Border Strikes

In a dangerous escalation of regional tensions, Pakistan has claimed it shot down five Indian Air Force fighter jets following a series of missile strikes launched by India on Pakistani territory early Wednesday. The incident marks one of the most severe military confrontations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors in recent years.

India confirmed it carried out targeted strikes across nine sites in Pakistan’s Punjab province and in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, stating the operation aimed to dismantle what it described as “terrorist infrastructure.” The attacks were launched in retaliation for a deadly attack two weeks ago on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir—a massacre New Delhi attributes to militants allegedly supported by Islamabad.

Pakistan’s government reported that at least 26 people were killed in the Indian strikes, including women and a three-year-old child, with another 46 injured. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the strikes “an act of war” and vowed a firm response.

"From early morning, we’ve been under continuous fire," said Shakeel Butt, a resident of Muzaffarabad, near the Line of Control. "Shells hit our homes. We had to flee to safety."

As artillery fire continued to echo along the heavily militarized border, both sides reported casualties. A senior Indian defense official noted that at least eight people were killed on the Indian side.

Later in the day, Pakistani military sources claimed their forces had downed five Indian aircraft in a retaliatory move. The downed jets reportedly included three French-made Rafales, one Russian-built MiG-29, and one SU-30 multirole fighter. Additionally, one Indian drone was allegedly shot down.

Pakistan’s military framed the action as “self-defense” and stated the aircraft had violated its airspace. India has not confirmed the loss of the jets as of this writing.

The international community has voiced concern over the rapidly deteriorating situation, urging both nations to exercise restraint and avoid further military escalation.