Pakistan downs 2 Indian jets as retaliation for late-night strikes at 5 sites: state media

The Pakistan military has brought down two 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.

Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said three Pakistanis were martyred and 12 were injured in “cowardly” missile strikes by India in Kotli, Bahawalpur, Muridke, Bagh and Muzaffarabad after midnight for which retaliation by the military was already under way.

The strikes come as tensions have escalated intensely between the two countries in the wake of a militant attack in occupied Kashmir’s Pahalgam.

A statement by state broadcaster PTV News, quoting security sources, said: “Pakistani forces are giving a befitting reply to Indian aggression. According to initial reports, the Pakistan Air Force has shot down two enemy aircraft. All Pakistani Air Force aircraft are safe. Pakistan armed forces are giving a befitting reply to the enemy’s aggression.”