Pakistan Downs 5 Indian Jets, Destroys Brigade HQ in Response to Cross-Border Aggression
ISLAMABAD — In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Pakistan has responded forcefully to what it called a “cowardly and unprovoked” attack by India. According to Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) shot down five Indian fighter jets — including three Rafales, one MiG-29, and one Su-30 — in retaliation for Indian airstrikes that targeted multiple locations within Pakistani territory.
Speaking to the media, Asif confirmed that all Pakistani aircraft returned safely and emphasized that Pakistan had achieved air superiority in the current exchange. Security sources also confirmed that a sixth Indian Rafale was shot down southwest of Awantipora, approximately 17 nautical miles inside Indian airspace.
In addition to the aerial response, Pakistani military forces reportedly destroyed an Indian Army brigade headquarters and several frontline posts along the Line of Control (LoC), including a missile strike in the Doodniyal sector and the downing of multiple Indian drones over Sialkot, Narowal, and Zafarwal.
The Indian media has acknowledged the loss of at least three jets, while Pakistani sources claim more extensive damage.
According to ISPR Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, India carried out 24 missile and air strikes across six locations in Pakistan, including Kotli, Muzaffarabad, Ahmedpur Sharqia, and Muridke, resulting in the deaths of 8 Pakistani civilians and injuries to 35 others. Religious sites such as mosques and a dispensary were also reported to have been damaged.
The Pakistan Foreign Office condemned India’s actions, describing them as a grave violation of international law and the UN Charter. The spokesperson stated that India’s use of standoff weapons from its own territory to target civilian areas inside Pakistan had endangered regional peace and air safety, calling the attacks “reckless and baseless.”
The latest military exchange follows a deadly shooting incident in Indian-occupied Kashmir’s Pahalgam region on April 22, in which 26 people were killed. India blamed Pakistan for the attack without providing evidence and subsequently announced the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty — a 1960 agreement mediated by the World Bank. Pakistan has rejected India’s unilateral move.
Pakistan reiterated that it reserves the right to respond at a time and place of its choosing, and reaffirmed its commitment to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs.
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