India's Ministry of Defense announced the launch of Operation Sindoor, targeting Pakistan. The ministry clarified that no Pakistani military sites were struck, emphasizing instead that the missile strikes were aimed at terrorist camps.
"These actions were taken following the barbaric terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in the deaths of 25 Indians and one Nepalese citizen. We are committed to holding those responsible accountable," India's Defense Ministry said.
Pakistan confirmed that it was targeted by Indian missile strikes. Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), stated that the attacks hit Kotli, Bahawalpur, and Muzaffarabad.
Chaudhry added that Pakistan Air Force (PAF) jets were scrambled in response and called India's actions "cowardly and treacherous."
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the Indian attack an act of war.
"Pakistan has the full right to respond decisively to this act of war imposed by India — and that response has already been delivered," the Pakistani PM said.
According to SAMAA TV, Pakistan's military shot down two Indian Air Force Rafale fighter jets near Bahawalpur. One of the aircraft was reportedly downed after violating Pakistan's airspace.
Radar systems detected an unprovoked incursion by an Indian aircraft into Pakistani territory. In response, Pakistani forces acted in line with standard protocols to intercept and neutralize the threat, SAMAA TV said.
The network also published an alleged photo of one of the downed jets. However, Pakistan's Ministry of Defense has not yet officially confirmed the incident.
The Pakistani government has decided to close its airspace to all flights for 48 hours.
According to SAMAA TV, Islamabad's international airport has been shut down for all inbound and outbound flights, which are being rerouted to Karachi. The Civil Aviation Authority stated that normal flight operations will resume once the situation stabilizes.
At least two Russian flights were forced to change course due to the airspace closure. For example, Aeroflot Flight SU 284 from Moscow to Phuket returned to Sheremetyevo Airport, and Flight SU 232 from Moscow to Delhi was diverted to Tashkent, Uzbekistan.