Pakistan claims shooting down 2 Indian jets, India denies fake narrative

Pakistan has claimed that its Air Force shot down two Indian fighter jets in response to Indian airstrikes on terror camps in Pakistan-occupied territory. The statement was broadcast with a quote saying, “Pakistani forces are responding forcefully to India's aggression,” and added that all Pakistani aircraft are safe. There has been no official confirmation from either country’s defence authorities on the incident.

According to unnamed Pakistani security sources, their armed forces are giving a “befitting reply” to India. They further claimed a retaliatory missile strike on an Indian Brigade Headquarters, although no evidence or official statement has verified this claim. India has not acknowledged any loss of aircraft and has not issued an official response to the Pakistani claims so far.

Meanwhile, social media was flooded with images and videos claiming to show Indian jets being shot down. One image circulated widely as alleged proof of a destroyed Indian jet was later identified as an unrelated photograph from a MiG-29 crash in Rajasthan’s Barmer district in September 2024. The image has no connection to the ongoing conflict or current military operations.

On the ground, reports emerged of loud booms and falling debris in the Pampore and Akhnoor regions of Jammu and Kashmir. Defence sources clarified that the debris was from drop tanks jettisoned by Indian fighter jets during aerial maneuvers. These tanks are routinely ejected to lighten the aircraft or during combat preparation. There was no loss of Indian aircraft reported during these operations.

The current escalation follows India’s launch of Operation Sindoor, a targeted military action against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The strikes were carried out following the Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, including one Nepali citizen. Both nations remain on high alert, and authorities have urged people to verify information from official sources only.