The Pakistan Army on Tuesday claimed to have given a "befitting response" to alleged Indian military aggression, with Indian media reporting a rising death toll and multiple aircraft downed in cross-border hostilities.
According to official sources, retaliatory strikes were carried out in response to what Pakistan termed "unprovoked violations" along the Line of Control (LoC), particularly in the Poonch sector. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) was reported to have taken swift action during the night, targeting Indian military assets in what officials described as a “measured yet firm” response.
Indian news outlets, including The Hindu and NDTV, cited government sources confirming that at least 10 Indian military personnel were killed, while over 35 were injured in shelling and air strikes across several locations. Reports from the Poonch region indicated significant damage to Indian positions, with security sources confirming casualties and material losses.
In a major development, Indian media and international news agency Reuters reported that at least three Indian Air Force (IAF) jets were downed in the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir. The aircraft allegedly included three Rafale jets, a MiG-29, and a Sukhoi Su-30, with separate incidents reported in Bathinda, Akhnoor, and Awantipora. Additionally, an Indian surveillance drone was said to have been neutralised in the Barnala sector.
Indian authorities have not publicly confirmed the total number of aircraft lost, though preliminary statements acknowledged "operational losses" in air engagements along the LoC. An Indian defence spokesperson refrained from commenting in detail, citing ongoing investigations and national security concerns.
The Pakistani military’s media wing, ISPR, stated that all actions were taken in self-defence and with full restraint. “The Indian side initiated hostilities under the cover of darkness. Pakistan reserves the right to respond in kind to any aggression,” said a statement issued late Tuesday night.
International coverage, including reports from Reuters and Al Jazeera, also acknowledged the downing of Indian aircraft, corroborating local claims of aerial engagement. Analysts have raised concerns about rising tensions in the region, calling for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation.
The latest exchange of fire has once again put the spotlight on the fragile peace along the heavily militarised LoC, with fears that the situation may deteriorate if not contained through high-level engagement.
Neither the Indian Ministry of External Affairs nor Pakistan’s Foreign Office have announced formal diplomatic steps as of Tuesday evening. However, calls for restraint have emerged from several international observers.
