Pakistan confirms strikes in Kashmir, claims to have downed 2 IAF jets

The Pakistan government on Wednesday claimed it had shot down two Indian Air Force fighters and had carried out strikes across the Line of Control a day after India carried out an attack.

The Pakistan Armed Forces spokesperson said the Pakistan Air Force shot down two Indian aircraft inside Pakistan airspace. The official Twitter handle of the Pakistan Armed Forces said the Pakistan Air Force shot down the jets after they entered its airspace, noting one crashed inside Jammu and Kashmir and the other inside PoK. Earlier, an Indian Air Force aircraft crashed in Budgam, killing two pilots. It was initially thought to be an MiG-21 fighter, though other reports claim it was MI-17 helicopter.

ANI obtained footage of damage caused near an Army post near Rajouri due to the Pakistani bombing.

“In response to PAF strikes this morning as released by MoFA, IAF crossed LOC. PAF shot down two Indian aircrafts inside Pakistani airspace. One of the aircraft fell inside AJ&K while other fell inside IOK. One Indian pilot arrested by troops on ground while two in the area,” the Pakistan Armed Forces handle confirmed. ANI has reported a Pakistani F-16 was shot down after the bombing mission, though this has not been confirmed by either side.

Earlier, at least three Pakistan Air Force fighters violated the Line of Control and are believed to have dropped bombs. The Pakistan Foreign Ministry released a statement acknowledging a bombing mission, though Indian sources claimed the bombs were jettisoned after being intercepted.