Pakistan Condemns Indian Airstrikes as ‘Act of War,’ Claims Downing of Five Indian Jets

Tensions between nuclear-armed neighbors Pakistan and India have escalated dramatically following airstrikes launched by India, which Pakistan has vehemently condemned as an "act of war." Pakistan’s military claims to have retaliated by shooting down five Indian fighter jets, further inflaming the already volatile situation. The international community is watching closely, with concerns mounting about the potential for further escalation and the risk of a broader conflict.

India’s Defense Ministry asserts that the airstrikes targeted at least nine sites where terrorist attacks against India were being planned. These strikes were reportedly focused on terrorist camps that served as recruitment centers and weapon storage facilities for Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, two Islamist militant groups that India accuses of operating from Pakistani soil.

Pakistan’s military, however, claims the Indian missiles struck six locations in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and in the country’s eastern Punjab province, resulting in the deaths of at least 26 people, including women and children. This claim of civilian casualties has fueled Pakistan’s outrage and its determination to respond forcefully.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has declared that Pakistan has every right to give a robust response to what he describes as an "act of war imposed by India." He has vowed that a strong response is indeed being given, signaling a potential for further military action.

The current crisis was triggered by an April attack in the India-controlled portion of Kashmir, in which gunmen killed 26 people, mostly Indian Hindu tourists. India has accused Pakistan of being behind the attack, which was claimed by a militant group calling itself Kashmir Resistance. India alleges that this group is linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, a disbanded Pakistani militant group.

Following the airstrikes, Indian sources have indicated that the country is now pushing for de-escalation. According to an Indian official source, "The trigger was the terrorist attack, we had a right to respond and we responded…for us, that’s where this particular matter ends." The source added, "What Pakistan does now is up to them."

The Indian official source also described communications with U.S. officials as "fast and smooth," stating that India has received "overwhelming support from the Administration, Senators and Members of Congress." The source cited numerous senators and members of Congress who have condemned the April 22 terror attacks.

Pakistan’s military spokesperson, Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif, claims the country’s air force shot down five Indian jets in retaliation. However, an Indian source declined to comment on these claims, stating that India is still assessing the situation.

Reports from the Associated Press indicate that three planes fell onto villages in India-controlled territory, and there was a heavy exchange of fire between the two sides. At least seven civilians were reportedly killed in the region by Pakistani shelling, according to Indian police and medics.

Debris from one plane was scattered across Wuyan village on the outskirts of Kashmir’s main city of Srinagar, including in a school and a mosque compound. A Wuyan resident described a "huge fire in the sky" followed by "several blasts."

Another aircraft reportedly fell in an open field in Bhardha Kalan village. A resident stated that he heard massive blasts and saw a huge ball of fire, and that the two pilots were found injured and taken away by soldiers.

India’s military has stated that the airstrikes were part of "Operation Sindoor" and that their actions have been "focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature." The Indian Defense Ministry emphasized that no Pakistan military facilities have been targeted.

Pakistan’s National Security Committee convened Wednesday morning to discuss the situation. Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a special meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security and postponed his upcoming official trip to Norway, Croatia, and the Netherlands.

Amid the escalating tensions, Pakistan has warned of a "nuclear flashpoint" and urged former U.S. President Donald Trump to step in to mediate. The international community remains deeply concerned about the potential for further escalation and the devastating consequences of a potential conflict between the two nuclear-armed nations. The United States and other global powers are likely to intensify diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation and encourage dialogue between India and Pakistan. The future stability of the region hangs in the balance.