Pakistan Downs Five Indian Jets, Destroys Brigade Headquarters in Counterattack

Islamabad: On Wednesday, Pakistan’s military confirmed that India carried out missile strikes from its own airspace targeting multiple areas within Pakistani territory, including Kotli, Muzaffarabad, Ahmedpur Sharqia Bagh, and Muridke.

Describing the strikes as a “cowardly” act, Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, vowed that India’s actions would not go unanswered.

According to the DG ISPR, the Pakistan Air Force responded swiftly, activating its air defense systems and preventing any Indian aircraft from violating Pakistani airspace.

In retaliation, Pakistan’s military reported shooting down six Indian aircraft, including Rafale jets, and one drone, while destroying several Indian checkposts.

Pakistan’s forces also targeted and destroyed the Indian 6 Mahar Battalion Headquarters in occupied Kashmir, located near the Leepa Valley. Additionally, the “Jungle-1” checkpost in the Pandu sector was obliterated, with thick smoke rising from the site. In the Jora sector along the Line of Control, Pakistan Army soldiers effectively hit an enemy post, chanting “Takbeer” as they fired.

The Pakistani response was described as “swift and decisive,” with officials asserting that the country’s armed forces are prepared to respond robustly to any future aggression.

The clashes have resulted in the deaths of eight Pakistani civilians and left 35 injured, according to Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif. A total of 24 strikes were carried out by India across six different Pakistani locations.

The international community has expressed concern over the spiraling conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged both countries to show restraint and emphasized the importance of diplomacy to prevent further escalation.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the situation, calling the renewed hostilities between India and Pakistan “a shame,” and noting that long-standing tensions had made the escalation somewhat foreseeable.

This military flare-up follows the April 22, 2025, attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in 26 fatalities, mostly tourists. The incident was immediately blamed on Pakistan by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who promised retribution and measures to punish both the attackers and their alleged supporters.

In the aftermath, India imposed a series of punitive actions against Pakistan, including banning Pakistani vessels from its ports, halting all imports from the country, and suspending postal services.

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