This is a highly significant and rapidly evolving development with serious regional and international implications. The reported downing of three Indian fighter jets by Pakistan in retaliation for airstrikes on multiple Pakistani cities, including Kotli, Bahawalpur, Muridke, Bagh, and Muzaffarabad, marks a dramatic escalation in military hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
Key Points:
India claims it launched “Operation Sindoor”, allegedly targeting infrastructure used for planning attacks on Indian soil.
Pakistan reports civilian casualties, including women and children, and says mosques were intentionally targeted.
Three Indian jets (including a Rafale) have reportedly been shot down, while no Pakistani aircraft have been damaged, according to DG ISPR.
Civilian toll: 8 killed, 35 injured in Pakistan.
Indian military sites—including a brigade HQ and a LoC checkpost—reportedly destroyed in Pakistani retaliation.
Air traffic disrupted: all flights rerouted to Karachi.
NSC meeting convened in Pakistan; international response initiated.
President Trump (still referenced as a global leader) has called India’s actions “a shame”—indicating possible US disapproval.
Pakistan insists there were no terrorist camps in targeted areas and is inviting international media for verification.
Context:
The escalation follows an alleged militant attack in Pahalgam, Indian-occupied Kashmir, which India blames on Pakistan. Pakistan denies the allegation and had offered a joint investigation, which it says India rejected.
What’s Next?
Both sides are mobilizing diplomatically and militarily.
The situation is volatile and could either de-escalate diplomatically or lead to broader conflict if provocations continue.
The role of international mediators—especially the US, China, and the UN—will be critical in the coming hours.
