India Launches Missile Strikes on Pakistan; 8 Civilians Martyred, Pakistan Downs 5 Indian Jets in Retaliation

ISLAMABAD:Tensions between nuclear-armed neighbors India and Pakistan escalated dramatically after India launched missile strikes targeting six locations inside Pakistan late Monday night, resulting in the deaths of at least 8 civilians and injuries to over 30 others.

According to a statement by Pakistan’s military spokesperson, DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, India targeted civilian areas in **Kotli, Ahmadpur Sharqia (Bahawalpur), Muzaffarabad, Bagh, and Muridke**, including a direct strike on **Masjid Subhan Allah** during evening prayers.

“The cowardly Indian attack targeted innocent civilians and religious sites under the cover of night,” said the ISPR.

In response, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) retaliated swiftly, shooting down **five Indian aircraft**, including at least **three Rafale fighter jets**, with one confirmed crash southwest of Avantipura, within Indian-administered Kashmir.

Security sources also reported that the Pakistan Army destroyed a key Indian **brigade headquarters** during a retaliatory strike across the Line of Control (LoC).

Emergency has been declared across hospitals in affected areas including Muzaffarabad and federal hospitals in Islamabad. All medical staff have been recalled from leave.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office condemned the “unprovoked and blatant aggression” by India, asserting that India violated Pakistan’s sovereignty by launching standoff weapons from within Indian airspace.

Meanwhile, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh confirmed the airstrikes, claiming they targeted militant infrastructure at **nine locations** in Pakistan.

The airspace over the region has been **closed for 48 hours**, with all commercial flights suspended.

The fresh hostilities follow a deadly shooting incident on April 22 in **Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir**, which killed 26 people. India blamed Pakistan without investigation and subsequently suspended the **Indus Waters Treaty**, a move Pakistan has strongly rejected.

The international community has expressed concern, with calls for restraint from the **United Nations** and **United States**, urging both sides to avoid further escalation.