India Admits 3 Jets Destroyed, Hoists White Flag at Chora Complex in LoC Defeat

In a dramatic escalation along the Line of Control (LoC), the Indian Army reportedly raised a white flag at the Chora Complex, signaling surrender after sustaining heavy losses in a powerful retaliatory campaign by the Pakistan Army and Air Force. Pakistan claims to have downed five Indian Air Force (IAF) jets—three Rafales, one MiG-29, and one Sukhoi Su-30—along with a Heron surveillance drone, though India has officially acknowledged only three aircraft losses. The Pakistan military also reported the destruction of the Indian Army’s 12th Infantry Brigade headquarters, a key tactical formation near the LoC.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that Pakistan’s actions were a “befitting response” to what it described as an “unprovoked and cowardly” Indian attack on civilian and military targets across the border. “Our forces are delivering a decisive reply to every Indian provocation,” said ISPR Director General Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry in remarks to Reuters. Pakistani forces reportedly inflicted significant damage on multiple Indian military posts, with the Chora Complex being the hardest hit, prompting the white flag as a symbol of ceasefire or surrender.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told a foreign news agency that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) shot down six IAF jets, though later statements confirmed five, including three Rafales, intercepted while attempting to strike Pakistani territory using stand-off munitions from Indian airspace. “Pakistan has acted in self-defense. Our armed forces are responding decisively to Indian aggression,” Asif said, adding that India would “still repay the debt” for its actions. A Heron drone, believed to be on a reconnaissance mission, was also downed in the Barnala sector, signaling Pakistan’s vigilance against further provocations.

Indian media, including The Hindu and NDTV, reported at least 10 military personnel killed and over 35 injured in the clashes, with significant damage to military infrastructure in the Poonch sector. Indian authorities have refrained from confirming the white flag incident or the full extent of losses, citing ongoing investigations. However, posts on X from Pakistani sources, including state media, celebrated the Chora Complex surrender as a “major victory,” claiming it exposed India’s military vulnerabilities. These claims remain unverified by independent sources and should be treated as inconclusive.

The hostilities stem from a deadly attack on April 22, 2025, in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, where 26 tourists were killed. India attributes the attack to Pakistan-backed militants, a charge Islamabad denies, leading to diplomatic and military escalations, including India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and Pakistan’s expulsion of Indian diplomats. The current skirmishes, dubbed “Operation Sindoor” by India, mark the worst fighting between the nuclear-armed neighbors in over two decades, raising global concerns about a potential broader conflict.

International observers, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have urged both nations to avoid further escalation. Rubio stated on X that he is engaging with both countries’ leadership to maintain open communication channels. As tensions remain high, the international community calls for diplomatic efforts to restore calm along the volatile LoC.