10 killed across India as Pakistan responds to missiles attack

Pakistan Army Claims ‘Befitting Response’ to Indian Aggression, Downs IAF Jets Along LoC

Islamabad/New Delhi, May 7, 2025 – The Pakistan Army claimed on Tuesday to have delivered a “befitting response” to alleged Indian military aggression along the Line of Control (LoC), particularly in the Poonch sector, amid escalating cross-border hostilities. According to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) conducted retaliatory strikes targeting Indian military assets, downing three Indian Air Force (IAF) jets—identified as Rafale, MiG-29, and Sukhoi Su-30—in separate incidents in Bathinda, Akhnoor, and Awantipora. An Indian surveillance drone was also neutralized in the Barnala sector.

Indian media outlets, including The Hindu and NDTV, reported significant casualties, with at least 10 Indian military personnel killed and over 35 injured due to shelling and air strikes across multiple locations. The Poonch region, a focal point of the clashes, saw heavy damage to Indian military positions, with security sources confirming material losses. Indian authorities have acknowledged “operational losses” in air engagements but refrained from confirming the exact number of aircraft downed, citing ongoing investigations and national security concerns.

The ISPR stated that Pakistan’s actions were in self-defense and executed with “full restraint” in response to what it described as “unprovoked violations” by India under the cover of darkness. “Pakistan reserves the right to respond in kind to any aggression,” the statement added. International reports from Reuters and Al Jazeera corroborated claims of aerial engagements, noting the downing of Indian aircraft and raising alarms about the potential for further escalation between the nuclear-armed neighbors.

The hostilities follow a deadly attack on April 22, 2025, in Kashmir’s Pahalgam, where 26 tourists were killed, an incident India attributes to Pakistan-backed militants, though Islamabad denies involvement. Since then, both nations have engaged in tit-for-tat measures, including India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and Pakistan’s expulsion of Indian diplomats. Posts on X reflect heightened tensions, with users reporting heavy artillery fire and Pakistan’s claims of destroying Indian checkposts along the LoC.

Analysts warn that the fragile peace along the LoC is at risk, with the current skirmishes—dubbed “Operation Sindoor” by India—marking a significant escalation. The New York Times reported on April 27 that India is building a case for military action, citing technical intelligence linking the Pahalgam attackers to Pakistan. International observers, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have called for restraint, with Rubio stating on X that he is engaging both nations’ leadership for a peaceful resolution.

As of Tuesday evening, neither India’s Ministry of External Affairs nor Pakistan’s Foreign Office has announced formal diplomatic steps to de-escalate. With both sides continuing to flex military might, the situation remains volatile, prompting global calls for high-level engagement to prevent a broader conflict.