Pakistan downs three Indian jets after Indian missiles strike at five sites: state media

Islamabad: The Pakistan military has brought down three Indian jets in retaliation for late-night strikes by its neighbouring country, launched after midnight at the sites of Kotli, Bahawalpur, Muridke, Bagh and Muzaffarabad, state media reported.

The downing of two jets was confirmed by Information Minister Attaullah Tarar around 2:45am, who said that the response was ongoing, but did not share operational details.

“We shot down two Indian planes and we are responding to Indian aggression right now as we speak,” he told British broadcaster Sky News.

Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said in an interview on CNN: “I can confirm that two aircraft of Indian Air Force have been taken down. The locations I have so far are around Bhatinda in India [Punjab] and Akhnoor [in occupied Kashmir].”

At 3:42am, state broadcaster PTV reported: “Pakistan Air Force shot down another Indian Rafale aircraft 17 nautical miles southwest of Awantipora. So far, the Pakistan Air Force has shot down three fighter jets of the Indian Air Force