Pakistan Strikes Back After Missile Attack, 10 Dead in India

The Pakistan Army claimed on Tuesday to have delivered a “befitting response” to alleged Indian military aggression along the Line of Control (LoC), as cross-border hostilities escalated and Indian media reported rising casualties and aircraft losses.

According to official Pakistani sources, the strikes were launched in retaliation to “unprovoked violations” by Indian forces, particularly in the Poonch sector. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) reportedly executed targeted operations overnight, striking Indian military positions in what was described as a “measured but firm” response.

Indian media outlets including The Hindu and NDTV reported that at least 10 Indian military personnel were killed and over 35 injured in the Pakistani retaliation. Damage was concentrated in the Poonch region, with Indian military installations sustaining both human and material losses.

In a major escalation, Indian and international sources such as Reuters reported that several Indian Air Force (IAF) jets were shot down in the contested Jammu and Kashmir region. The downed aircraft reportedly included three Rafales, a MiG-29, and a Sukhoi Su-30, with incidents occurring in Bathinda, Akhnoor, and Awantipora. A surveillance drone was also claimed to be destroyed in the Barnala sector.

Indian officials have yet to confirm the exact number of aircraft lost, although early statements referenced “operational losses” during the aerial engagements. A defence spokesperson declined to provide further details, citing ongoing assessments and national security concerns.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan’s military media wing, stated that all actions were conducted in self-defence following Indian strikes initiated under the cover of night. “Pakistan retains the right to respond proportionately to any act of aggression,” ISPR noted.

International outlets, including Al Jazeera and Reuters, corroborated reports of Indian aircraft being shot down, while analysts warned that the current flare-up could spiral further without urgent diplomatic intervention.

The situation remains tense, with neither side formally announcing diplomatic moves as of Tuesday evening. Global observers have urged both countries to exercise restraint and prioritize dialogue to avoid further escalation along the volatile LoC.

Source: Web Desk