India targets Sialkot, Bahawalpur, Muridke, Kotli
Bagh, and Muzaffarabad. Attacks sparked a swift
and powerful retaliation from Pakistan’s military
Web Desk
Islamabad: India launched a series of late-night air strikes across Pakistan under “Operation Sindoor” after 1am on Wednesday, targeting multiple locations including Sialkot, Bahawalpur, Muridke, Kotli, Bagh, and Muzaffarabad. The attacks sparked a swift and powerful retaliation from Pakistan’s military.
Pakistan Responds Swiftly, Downs 5 Jets
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan downed five Indian jets, including at least one Rafale, following India’s cross-border aggression. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed the downings, with the last two jets shot after 5am.
ISPR also reported that 26 Pakistani civilians were killed and 46 injured across six impacted areas. Pakistan’s military destroyed multiple Indian checkposts and a brigade headquarters along the Line of Control (LoC).
White Flag at LoC
At 7am, Tarar announced that Indian forces had hoisted a white flag at the Chora Complex along the LoC, signaling retreat and “accepting defeat.” PTV aired footage of the white flag.
Airspace Closed, Flights Diverted
Following the strikes, all flights were grounded and diverted to Karachi. Civil aviation authorities confirmed the suspension of inbound and outbound operations nationwide.
Global Reaction and Indian Silence
US President Donald Trump condemned India’s action, calling it “a shame.” India has yet to confirm or comment on the loss of its jets—the most significant in decades.
Pakistan clarified that no Indian aircraft breached its airspace, nor did Pakistani jets enter Indian airspace. ISPR emphasized that all Pakistani aircraft returned safely and dismissed Indian media claims of Pakistani losses as false.
Background and Escalation
Tensions had risen after the Pahalgam tragedy, with Islamabad repeatedly warning of an imminent Indian military move. “We are responding to Indian aggression as we speak,” said Tarar in an interview with Sky News.
India recently signed a $7.4 billion deal with France’s Dassault Aviation for 26 Rafale fighter jets, a part of its ongoing military modernization.
