The aerial confrontation between Pakistan and India, which Pakistani officials claim resulted in the downing of five Indian aircraft, was described by a senior Pakistani security source to CNN as one of the most significant and prolonged in modern aviation history.

A total of 125 fighter jets engaged in combat for over an hour, with both sides remaining within their respective airspaces. The source noted that missile exchanges occurred at distances sometimes exceeding 160 kilometers (100 miles). Neither side was willing to deploy their pilots across the border due to a previous smaller engagement in 2019, where an Indian Air Force pilot was shot down in Pakistani territory and publicly displayed before being returned to India—a situation both sides sought to avoid this time.

At times, the Indian Air Force had to make multiple attempts at striking targets, as per the source. Pakistan made efforts to alert civilians in areas identified as potential targets, and the military succeeded in reducing civilian casualties.

A senior French intelligence official informed CNN that Pakistan has shot down an Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale fighter jet, marking the first instance of a French-made warplane being lost in combat.

Pakistan asserted that it downed five IAF jets in response to Indian airstrikes, which included three Rafales. Indian authorities have not yet addressed this assertion.

Today, President Donald Trump of the United States urged for a reduction in tensions between India and Pakistan after a significant increase in hostilities between the two nations.

Speaking from the Oval Office, he expressed his readiness to help mitigate the ongoing violence. ‘I have a good relationship with both countries. I am familiar with both, and I hope they can resolve their issues. I want to see an end to this conflict, and I hope it can happen soon,’ Trump remarked, describing the situation as ‘extremely unfortunate.’

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has pledged to take action in response to India’s attacks in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir that occurred early Wednesday morning.

The nature of this response could determine whether the two nations can de-escalate tensions or become entrenched in a worsening conflict. One potential course of action for Pakistan is to assert a victory by highlighting the aircraft it claims to have shot down. This assertion hinges on the validity of Pakistan’s reports of having downed five Indian Air Force planes, including three Rafale fighter jets manufactured in France.

If India has indeed suffered losses, ‘Pakistan could declare victory by referencing the downed aircraft, even if the details remain unclear. This would enable Pakistan to assert that it has inflicted costs on Indian military assets,’ noted Milan Vaishnav, a senior fellow and director of the South Asia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Trump proposes to help reduce tensions in the India-Pakistan conflict

Hammad Saeed

May 7, 2025

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks, on the day of Tulsi Gabbard's swearing in ceremony as Director of National Intelligence, in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C.

Today, President Donald Trump of the United States urged for a reduction in tensions between India and Pakistan following a significant escalation in hostilities.

Speaking from the Oval Office, he expressed his readiness to help mitigate the ongoing violence. ‘I maintain good relations with both nations and wish to see them resolve their issues. It is my hope that they can cease hostilities immediately,’ Trump remarked, describing the situation as ‘extremely unfortunate.’

He noted the reciprocal nature of the conflict, stating, ‘They have been engaging in tit-for-tat actions, and I sincerely hope they can find a way to stop. I have strong ties with both countries, and I am committed to assisting in any way I can.’

However, the extent of the US’s involvement as a mediator in this conflict remains uncertain. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who also serves as the interim national security adviser, communicated with officials from both nations last evening.

French official confirmed that Pakistan has downed a Rafale jet as authorities look into further losses

Asif Shahid

May 7, 2025

People look at a part of an aircraft in Wuyan, Indian-administered Kashmir.

A senior French intelligence official connfirmed today that a Rafale fighter jet belonging to the Indian Air Force was shot down by Pakistan, marking the first instance of one of these advanced French-made aircraft being lost in combat.

Earlier, Pakistan claimed to have downed five Indian Air Force jets in retaliation for Indian strikes, including three Rafales. Indian officials have yet to respond to this assertion.

The French official indicated to CNN that authorities in France are investigating the possibility that more than one Rafale jet was downed by Pakistan overnight. Images of debris from an aircraft that crashed in Indian-administered Kashmir display a label from a French manufacturer; however, experts noted that it is not possible to confirm if the part originated from a Rafale jet.

The Rafale is a 10-ton, twin-engine multirole fighter, armed with a 30mm cannon for aerial combat and ground support, as well as air-to-air missiles, laser-guided bombs, and cruise missiles. Prior to this recent escalation, India had acquired 36 Rafale jets for its Air Force from Dassault Aviation. The French military has not made any official statements regarding the incident.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan commended the nation’s air force after military reports indicated the downing of five Indian fighter jets. He acknowledged the military’s preparedness to confront enemy aircraft during his address to parliament in Islamabad, marking his first appearance since India’s recent attack.

Sharif informed lawmakers that India deployed numerous warplanes in its offensive, which resulted in the deaths of at least 26 individuals, including a 3-year-old girl, and injured at least 46 others, as reported by a Pakistani military official.

While he refrained from detailing Pakistan’s potential response to what he termed an ‘act of war,’ his office indicated that the military had been granted the authority to take appropriate actions. ‘Recently, India showcased its acquisition of Rafale jets with great pride. However, such pride may be misplaced,’ Sharif remarked to the parliament. ‘These jets were deployed in combat, yet our air force was equally ready.’

He stated that the Pakistan Air Force had utterly destroyed the Indian aircraft, emphasizing that Pakistan would seek retribution for the lives lost due to India’s attacks. ‘During an hour-long aerial confrontation, our pilots obliterated the enemy’s jets,’ he declared in a televised address to the nation on Wednesday night.

He further remarked, ‘It took only a few hours for the adversary to be brought to its knees.’ The prime minister highlighted that Pakistan has been significantly affected by terrorism in the region, enduring the loss of tens of thousands of lives and incurring substantial financial damages in the ongoing battle against it over the years.

US and Israel are considering a US-led administration in Gaza

Asif Shahid

May 7, 2025

Buildings lie in ruin in North Gaza, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, as seen from Israel.

The United States and Israel are exploring the option of Washington overseeing a temporary administration in Gaza following the conflict, as reported by five sources familiar with the discussions. These high-level talks have focused on establishing a transitional government led by a U.S. official to manage Gaza until it is demilitarized and a stable Palestinian governance structure is in place.

The discussions, which are still in the early stages, do not include a set timeline for the duration of this U.S.-led administration, as it will be contingent on the evolving situation in the region. The sources, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the talks, likened this proposal to the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq, which was formed by Washington in 2003 after the invasion that ousted Saddam Hussein.

This authority was often viewed by many Iraqis as an occupying entity and handed over power to an interim Iraqi government in 2004 amid a rising insurgency. Other nations may be invited to participate in the U.S.-led administration in Gaza, although specific countries were not disclosed.

The administration is expected to include Palestinian technocrats but will exclude Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, which has limited control in the West Bank. Hamas, which has governed Gaza since 2007, ignited the current conflict when its militants attacked southern Israeli communities on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths, primarily among civilians, and the capture of 251 individuals.

The sources indicated that it remains uncertain whether a consensus can be achieved, as discussions have not advanced to the point of identifying potential candidates for key positions, and they did not clarify which party proposed the initiative or provide additional details about the negotiations.

The spokesperson for the State Department refrained from directly addressing whether discussions had taken place with Israel regarding a U.S.-led provisional authority in Gaza, stating they could not comment on ongoing negotiations. ‘Our goal is peace and the prompt release of hostages,’ the spokesperson remarked, emphasizing that ‘our foundational approach remains steadfast: support Israel and advocate for peace.’ The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chose not to provide a comment.

In an April interview with Sky News Arabia, which is owned by Emirati interests, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressed his belief in a ‘transitional period’ following the conflict, during which an international board of trustees, including ‘moderate Arab nations,’ would oversee Gaza, with Palestinians operating under their direction. ‘We do not intend to control the civil life of Gaza’s residents. Our primary concern in the Gaza Strip is security,’ he stated, without specifying which countries he envisioned being involved.

The foreign ministry did not reply to a request for additional comments. Ismail Al-Thawabta, director of the media office for the Hamas-led Gaza government, dismissed the notion of a U.S.-led or foreign government administration, asserting that the Palestinian people of Gaza should determine their own leadership. The Palestinian Authority did not respond to a request for comment.

Potential negative response

A provisional authority in Gaza led by the U.S. would deepen Washington’s involvement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, representing its most significant intervention in the Middle East since the Iraq war. This action could provoke considerable backlash from both allies and adversaries in the region if the U.S. is viewed as an occupying force in Gaza, according to two sources.

The United Arab Emirates, which established diplomatic ties with Israel in 2020, has suggested that an international coalition manage Gaza’s governance after the conflict. However, Abu Dhabi’s participation is contingent upon the inclusion of the Western-supported Palestinian Authority and a viable route to Palestinian statehood.

The UAE foreign ministry has not commented on whether it would endorse a U.S.-led administration that excludes the PA. Israeli leaders, including Netanyahu, categorically oppose any involvement of the Palestinian Authority in Gaza, labeling it as anti-Israeli.

Netanyahu also stands against Palestinian sovereignty. On Monday, he stated that Israel would intensify its military actions in Gaza, asserting that more Gazans would be relocated ‘for their own safety.’ Israel continues to pursue the recovery of 59 hostages held in the area, while its military operations have reportedly resulted in over 52,000 Palestinian deaths, according to data from the Gaza health ministry.

Certain members of Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition have publicly advocated for what they term the ‘voluntary’ mass relocation of Palestinians from Gaza, alongside plans for the rebuilding of Jewish settlements within the coastal area. However, in private discussions, some Israeli officials are reportedly considering future scenarios for Gaza that do not anticipate a significant exodus of Palestinians, including a U.S.-led provisional administration.

These considerations involve limiting reconstruction efforts to specific security zones, partitioning the territory, and setting up permanent military installations, according to sources, including foreign diplomats and former Israeli officials familiar with the discussions.

Sources indicate that the UAE is facilitating confidential discussions between Israel and Syria

Asif Shahid

May 7, 2025

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has initiated a discreet communication channel for discussions between Israel and Syria, according to the sources familiar with the situation. This move comes as Syria’s new leadership seeks regional assistance to navigate a growingly adversarial relationship with Israel.

These previously unreported indirect communications are centered on security, intelligence issues, and building trust between the two nations that lack formal diplomatic ties, as stated by a source with direct knowledge, a Syrian security official, and a regional intelligence representative. The initial source characterized the initiative, which commenced shortly after Syrian President Ahmed Sharaa‘s visit to the UAE on April 13, as currently concentrating on ‘technical matters,’ with no restrictions on potential future discussions.

A senior Syrian security source informed Reuters that the backchannel is strictly confined to security-related topics, particularly several counterterrorism issues. They noted that military concerns, especially those related to Israeli military operations in Syria, are not included in the current discussions.

The intelligence source revealed that the mechanism involves UAE security officials, Syrian intelligence representatives, and former Israeli intelligence personnel, among others, who requested anonymity due to the delicate nature of the matter. Neither Syria’s presidency nor the UAE foreign ministry responded to requests for comments, and the Israeli prime minister’s office also refrained from commenting.

This mediation effort occurred prior to recent Israeli airstrikes in Syria, including one striking just 500 meters from the presidential palace in Damascus, and Reuters has not confirmed whether the communication channel has been utilized since those strikes.

Israel has positioned its strikes as a warning to the new leadership in Syria, responding to threats against the Druze community, a minority sect related to Islam found in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. Recent informal mediation efforts between Israel and Syria have occurred over the past week through various channels, as reported by a source and a regional diplomat, who chose not to provide further details.

The Syrian government has denounced Israel’s actions as provocative and an act of foreign interference, asserting that the new administration in Damascus is focused on unifying the nation after 14 years of conflict. The new leaders have also made consistent attempts to demonstrate that they do not pose a threat to Israel, engaging with representatives of the Jewish community both in Damascus and internationally, and detaining two senior figures from Palestinian Islamic Jihad, which was involved in the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led assault on Israel.

A letter from Syria’s foreign ministry to the U.S. State Department last month, which was reviewed by Reuters, stated, ‘We will not permit Syria to become a source of threat to any party, including Israel.’

For years, Israel has conducted operations in Syria as part of a covert strategy to diminish the influence of Iran and its allies, including Hezbollah, which expanded its power after supporting Bashar al-Assad during the civil war. Following the ousting of Assad by rebels in December, Israeli military actions have intensified, with officials stating they will not accept an Islamist militant presence in southern Syria.

Israel has targeted what it claims are military sites throughout the country, and its ground forces have also entered southwestern Syria. In February, Reuters reported that Israel has urged the U.S. to maintain a decentralized and isolated Syria, expressing concerns about Sharaa, who previously led an al-Qaeda faction before severing ties in 2016.

The UAE government shares worries regarding the Islamist tendencies of Syria’s new leadership, but a recent meeting between Sharaa and President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reportedly went positively, alleviating some of Abu Dhabi’s apprehensions.

Sources indicated that the meeting extended for several hours, causing Sharaa to be late for another appointment. A backchannel with Israel was reportedly established shortly after.

Damascus views the UAE’s relationship with Israel, which was formalized in a landmark U.S.-brokered agreement in 2020, as a crucial pathway to resolve issues with Israel, especially in light of the lack of direct diplomatic relations.

Israel’s recent airstrikes in Syria came after violent confrontations between Sunni Muslim and Druze factions, sparked by a controversial voice recording allegedly disparaging the Prophet Mohammed, resulting in over two dozen fatalities.

The Syrian government has successfully negotiated with Druze factions in the Suweida region to establish local security forces from within their community, which has helped to alleviate tensions. This conflict represents a significant challenge for Sharaa, who has consistently pledged to consolidate all of Syria’s military forces into a single entity and to govern a nation that has been fragmented by 14 years of civil war.

However, incidents of sectarian violence, including the deaths of hundreds of pro-Assad Alawites in March, have intensified concerns among minority groups regarding the now-prevalent Islamist factions and have drawn criticism from international powers.

Debris of the Chinese-manufactured PL-15 and HQ-9BE missiles discovered in India

Asif Shahid

May 7, 2025

Debris believed to be from a Chinese-made HQ-9 surface-to-air missile was found in the Indian state of Rajasthan.

Fragments suspected to be from a Chinese-manufactured HQ-9 surface-to-air missile were discovered in Rajasthan, India. Additionally, Indian officials have retrieved components of a Chinese-produced PL-15 air-to-air missile in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, amid recent military tensions with Pakistan.

Social media is currently showcasing images of a large cylindrical object that is partially buried in desert sand, displaying features typical of rocket motor components. This object, measuring several meters in length, bears resemblance to parts of the HQ-9BE, an export model of China’s HQ-9 long-range air defense missile system developed by China Precision Machinery Import-Export Corporation (CPMIEC).

Local reports indicate that the missile debris fell in the area without resulting in any casualties or damage to nearby infrastructure. The HQ-9BE is designed to intercept aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic threats at distances of up to 250 kilometers, depending on the specific variant and conditions of engagement.

Observers have pointed out that the wreckage, which aligns with the size and structural characteristics of an HQ-9 missile stage, likely originated from an operational interception attempt. Unofficial reports suggest that the missile may have been launched by Pakistan to counter an Indian Air Force attack, with one of the interceptors landing within Indian territory.

The HQ-9 series is part of China’s growing inventory of domestic missile technologies and has been sold to various nations, including Pakistan and Turkmenistan. The HQ-9BE variant is particularly aimed at international clients and features advanced radar seekers and enhanced targeting precision.

Indian media released images of missile debris, while the reasons for the missile’s presence in Indian territory are still being investigated. The PL-15, an advanced beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile developed by China, has a domestic variant that can travel between 200 to 300 kilometers. In contrast, the export version utilized by Pakistan, known as the PL-15E, reportedly has a range of about 145 kilometers.

It can reach speeds exceeding Mach 5, powered by a dual-pulse solid-propellant rocket motor, and is equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar seeker that receives mid-course datalink updates.

Previously, Pakistan unveiled the first official images of its enhanced JF-17C fighter jet, which is armed with PL-10 and PL-15 missiles. For the first time, officials in Islamabad acknowledged the fighter’s ability to utilize the long-range PL-15, emphasizing China’s increasing involvement in supplying Pakistan with advanced air combat technologies.

The Pakistan Air Force has characterized this display as a deterrent strategy, highlighting its readiness to counter any potential Indian aggression.

NSC allows the Pakistan Army to respond to India’s unprovoked airstrikes

Hammad Saeed

May 7, 2025

The National Security Council (NSC) convened under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to address India‘s unlawful actions and clear infringement on Pakistan‘s sovereignty. The council has authorized the Pakistan Army to respond at its discretion.

Following India’s unprovoked airstrikes, which resulted in the deaths of at least 26 Pakistanis and injuries to 45 others, the NSC expressed strong condemnation of these acts as violations of international law and acts of war.

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) stated that the Indian military’s deliberate targeting of civilians, including women and children, is a reprehensible crime that contravenes human rights and international legal standards.

The National Security Council (NSC) emphasized that Pakistan had made a genuine proposal for a credible, transparent, and impartial investigation into the Pahalgam attack, which was regrettably rejected. The NSC criticized the Indian leadership for resorting to attacks on innocent civilians, driven by unfounded claims and a lack of moral integrity, in an attempt to fulfill misguided political ambitions.

They stated that such actions against Pakistan’s innocent population are intolerable and unacceptable. The NSC further noted that India has recklessly escalated tensions in the region, and any resulting consequences will be the sole responsibility of India.

The statement affirmed that the Pakistan Army has steadfastly protected the nation’s territorial integrity. In accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter, Pakistan maintains the right to respond in self-defense at a time and manner of its choosing to address the loss of innocent lives and the blatant infringement of its sovereignty. The Armed Forces of Pakistan have been duly authorized to take necessary actions in this context.

United States has lost yet another aircraft over Yemen

Asif Shahid

May 7, 2025

F/A18E Super Hornet preparing for launch on the USS Harry S. Truman.

The US Navy has experienced another loss of a fighter jet in the Red Sea, marking the second incident involving an F/A-18 Super Hornet from the USS Harry S. Truman within a week, and the third such loss since the escalation of operations against Houthi rebels in Yemen.

The aircraft reportedly went down after a failure during landing, prompting both the pilot and weapons systems officer to eject. CNN was the first to report on this incident on Tuesday, citing multiple sources familiar with the situation. An unnamed defense official informed USNI News, “The arrestment failed, leading to the aircraft going overboard. Both aviators ejected safely and were rescued by a helicopter from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 11.”

The aviators were assessed by medical personnel and found to have minor injuries, with no injuries reported among flight deck personnel. This incident coincided with the day the Iran-backed Houthi rebel group allegedly targeted the Truman, although the connection between the two events remains uncertain.

A formal investigation is currently in progress, and the US Navy has not yet confirmed the details. Just last week, another F/A-18 fell from the Truman while executing evasive maneuvers to evade incoming Houthi missile fire.

Additionally, in a separate incident last December, an F/A-18 was accidentally shot down by the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg shortly after taking off from the Truman for bombing missions against Houthi positions in Yemen. Each F/A-18 Super Hornet is estimated to cost between $60 million and $70 million, according to Pentagon figures.

The Houthis have also claimed responsibility for downing over a dozen American MQ-9 Reaper drones in the past year, each valued at around $30 million. The US has faced ongoing confrontations with the Houthis since the group began targeting shipping in the Red Sea in late 2023, asserting their actions are in support of the Palestinian people amid Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

Trump announces cessation of bombings in Yemen as Oman verifies US-Houthi ceasefire agreement

Sadia Asif

May 7, 2025

President Donald Trump has declared that the United States will cease its daily bombing operations in Yemen, following an agreement with the Houthis, as Oman confirms its role in facilitating a ceasefire between Washington and the militant group.

During a press conference at the White House with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump stated, ‘The Houthis have informed us that they no longer wish to engage in combat. We respect their decision and will halt the bombings.’ He asserted that the Iran-aligned Yemeni faction has ‘surrendered’ and has committed to refraining from attacks on maritime vessels, which had escalated in October 2023 amid the Gaza conflict, justified by the Houthis as support for Palestinians.

‘I trust their commitment, and we will immediately stop the bombings targeting the Houthis,’ the president affirmed.

Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi announced that both parties have reached a ceasefire agreement. ‘After recent discussions and communications initiated by Oman with the United States and relevant authorities in Sana’a, Yemen, aimed at reducing tensions, a ceasefire agreement has been established between the two parties,’ he shared on X. ‘Moving forward, neither side will engage in hostilities against the other, including American ships, in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait, thereby ensuring the freedom of navigation and the uninterrupted flow of international trade.’

Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, a member of the Houthis’ Supreme Political Council, stated in a post on X that the announcement by Trump regarding a cessation of American aggression towards Yemen will first be assessed based on real-world developments. He emphasized that operations in Yemen have historically supported Gaza in its fight against aggression and in facilitating aid, indicating that the group is unlikely to cease its attacks on Israel.

US State Department clarified that the agreement does not pertain to the conflict between Israel and the Houthis, specifying that it is focused on Houthi activities along the Yemeni coast, particularly concerning US shipping.

This ceasefire announcement followed shortly after the Israeli military conducted airstrikes on Sanaa’s airport, causing significant destruction and rendering it non-operational. Additionally, numerous Israeli warplanes executed extensive overnight strikes on Yemen’s crucial port of Hodeidah, which Israel claimed was a retaliation for a ballistic missile launched by the Houthis that targeted the vicinity of Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport.

For nearly two months, the US military has been conducting daily airstrikes across Yemen, resulting in the destruction of infrastructure and the deaths of many, including children and civilians.

It is plausible that Iran played a role in persuading the Houthis to reduce their attacks. Oman has been a key mediator between the US and Iran, as well as between the Houthis and the Americans. There are signs that nuclear negotiations are progressing, with a potential framework emerging for lifting sanctions in exchange for nuclear limitations.

Analysts suggested that Iranian influence may have encouraged the Houthis to de-escalate, particularly if this is reflected in the ongoing Iranian-American discussions, which could expedite the nuclear talks.

Photographs of a downed aircraft support Pakistan’s claims that it shot down three Indian Rafale fighter jets

Asif Shahid

May 7, 2025

Images of components from an aircraft that crashed in Indian-administered Kashmir reveal a label from a French manufacturer, bolstering Pakistan‘s assertions that it downed three of India’s advanced Rafale fighter jets.

The label identifies a part from the French filtration firm Le Bozec et Gautier, which is a subsidiary of Minnesota’s Donaldson Company.

According to a press release from Donaldson in 2005, when it acquired Le Bozec, the French company specializes in designing, manufacturing, and selling filtration systems for managing air, fuel, hydraulic fluid, and air pressure in aircraft and helicopters. The Rafale jets are produced by Dassault Aviation in France.

Three Indian military fighter jets crashed in Kashmir, local officials report

Asif Shahid

May 7, 2025

On Wednesday, three Indian fighter jets crashed in the Jammu and Kashmir region of India, as reported by four local government sources to Reuters. This incident occurred shortly after India announced it had targeted nine sites of ‘terrorist infrastructure’ in Pakistan.

A spokesperson for the Pakistani military claimed that five Indian aircraft were downed, a statement that India has not verified. An eyewitness and a local government official informed CNN that an unidentified aircraft crashed in Indian-administered Kashmir. The incident took place in the village of Wuyan, located 19 kilometers southeast of Srinagar, the main city in the region.

Local resident Abdul Rashid recounted, ‘We heard the sound of a flying plane followed by a loud explosion. We rushed outside in panic and saw it engulfed in flames. Fortunately, no one was hurt.’ A duty officer from the fire service in Srinagar confirmed to CNN that a fighter jet had crashed onto a school building in Wuyan. ‘Our personnel are still on-site, and we are awaiting further details,’ the officer, who wished to remain anonymous, stated.

Images released by AFP showed debris from the aircraft scattered in a field adjacent to a red brick structure in Wuyan. Residents in Srinagar reported hearing a significant explosion earlier on Wednesday, coinciding with India’s announcement of airstrikes against Pakistan.

Pakistan shot down five Indian fighter jets in response to late-night attacks on six locations

Asif Shahid

May 7, 2025

City view during the blackout, after India's strikes in Muzaffarabad, in Pakistan-administrated Kashmir.

On Wednesday, India launched an attack on Pakistan and Pakistani-administered Kashmir, leading Pakistan to claim it had downed five Indian fighter jets, marking the most intense conflict between the two nuclear-armed nations in over twenty years.

India reported that it targeted nine sites associated with Pakistani ‘terrorist infrastructure,’ some of which were linked to a recent assault by Islamist militants that resulted in the deaths of 26 Hindu tourists in Indian Kashmir.

In response, Pakistan stated that six locations were struck, resulting in eight fatalities. The Indian defense ministry asserted that India exercised significant restraint in its choice of targets and execution methods.

Pakistan’s military spokesperson, Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, confirmed that Indian missiles impacted three sites and reported the downing of five Indian aircraft, emphasizing that these actions were purely defensive. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding its honor, integrity, and sovereignty at all costs.

Islamabad condemned the attack as a ‘blatant act of war’ and notified the U.N. Security Council of its right to respond to Indian aggression. The two nations also engaged in heavy shelling and gunfire along their de facto border in the Kashmir region, according to police and eyewitness accounts.

Since their independence in 1947, India and Pakistan have fought two wars over the Muslim-majority Kashmir, which both claim entirely but control only in parts. Following a ceasefire in 2003, which both nations reaffirmed in 2021, targeted strikes have been rare, particularly Indian operations in Pakistani territories outside of Pakistani Kashmir. However, analysts warn that the likelihood of escalation has increased due to the gravity of India’s offensive, dubbed ‘Operation Sindoor.’

U.S. President Donald Trump described the situation as “a shame” and expressed his hope for a swift resolution. According to a spokesperson, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged both nations to exercise maximum military restraint.

A spokesperson for the Pakistani military reported that the Indian strikes resulted in eight fatalities, 35 injuries, and two individuals missing. The Indian army stated that three civilians were killed due to shelling from the Pakistani army across the Kashmir border.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged that Islamabad was responding to the Indian assaults but refrained from providing specifics. The chief minister of Punjab, Pakistan’s most populous province, announced a state of emergency, with hospitals and emergency services on high alert.

A military spokesperson informed broadcaster Geo that two mosques were among the locations targeted by India. The Pakistani defense minister asserted to Geo that all affected sites were civilian and not militant camps, dismissing India’s claims of targeting “terrorist camps” as false.

Stock market, airlines impacted

The news of the strikes had a slight impact on Indian stock futures, with the GIFT NIFTY at 24,311, down 0.3% from the NIFTY 50’s previous close of 24,379.6 on Tuesday. Several airlines, including India’s largest, IndiGo, along with Air India and Qatar Airways, canceled flights in regions of India and Pakistan due to airport and airspace closures.

The Indian strike represents a significant escalation compared to New Delhi’s previous responses to attacks in Kashmir attributed to Pakistan, including the 2019 airstrike following the deaths of 40 Indian paramilitary police and the retaliation for the deaths of 18 soldiers in 2016.

Michael Kugelman, a South Asia analyst based in Washington and a writer for Foreign Policy magazine, noted, “Given the scale of the Indian strike, which was far greater than what we saw in 2019, we can expect a sizable Pakistani response. All eyes will be on India’s next move. We’ve had a strike and a counter-strike, and what comes next will be the strongest indication of just how serious a crisis this could become.”

Rubio calls for dialogue between India and Pakistan to alleviate tensions

Sadia Asif

May 7, 2025

Secretary of State, Sen. Marco Rubio testifies during his Senate Foreign Relations confirmation hearing at Dirksen Senate Office Building.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has communicated with officials from India and Pakistan, urging both nations to initiate talks to resolve a growing military conflict, according to a statement from the White House on Tuesday.

‘He is urging India and Pakistan to re-establish communication between their leaders to ease tensions and avert further escalation,’ stated Brian Hughes, spokesman for the US National Security Council, following India’s air strikes on Pakistani territory.

Pakistan notifies the UN of its right to retaliate against India’s missile attacks

Sadia Asif

May 7, 2025

Pakistan has officially notified the United Nations of its intention to exercise its right to self-defense in response to India’s missile attacks, as permitted under Article 51 of the UN Charter.

This notification was conveyed through letters from Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN in New York, addressed to the President of the Security Council, the President of the General Assembly, and the UN Secretary-General.

The correspondence characterized India’s actions as ‘blatant aggression’ that infringes upon Pakistan’s sovereignty and breaches international law, cautioning that such conduct poses a threat to both regional and global peace.

India’s aggression has jeopardized regional peace: Foreign Minister

Hammad Saeed

May 7, 2025

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar expressed strong condemnation of India’s missile strikes within Pakistan, stating that such actions threaten regional stability.

He remarked, ‘Pakistan vehemently denounces India’s aggression, which constitutes a blatant violation of our sovereignty, the UN Charter, and international law,’ in a post on his social media account X late Tuesday.

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that India’s actions have endangered peace in the region. He affirmed Pakistan‘s right to respond in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter and pledged to implement defensive measures. ‘We will safeguard our sovereignty and territorial integrity by all necessary means,’ he declared.

Pakistan will respond to India on military and diplomatic fronts, says the Defence Minister

Asif Shahid

May 7, 2025

On Tuesday evening, Defence Minister Khwaja Muhammad Asif stated that Pakistan would respond comprehensively to India’s missile attacks through both military and diplomatic channels.

In an interview with a private television network, he asserted that India lacked the audacity to utilize Pakistan’s airspace due to the vigilance of the Pakistan Air Force. He accused India of launching missiles from its territory, targeting civilians, including women and children.

He also extended an invitation to foreign media to visit the locations affected by these missile strikes. The Defence Minister emphasized the necessity for an international investigation into the Pahalgam incident, warning that Pakistan would respond decisively to India, and that the ‘debt’ would soon be settled.

Trump calls India’s missile strikes on Pakistan’ a shame’

Hammad Saeed

May 7, 2025

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed disappointment over India’s missile strikes on Pakistani cities and parts of Azad Kashmir, describing the situation as regrettable and wishing for a swift resolution.

He made these remarks to reporters at the White House, following India’s military actions in response to the April 22 incident that resulted in 26 fatalities in Indian-administered Kashmir, which New Delhi attributed to Pakistan. Islamabad has categorically denied these claims.

Trump commented on the strikes, stating, ‘It’s a shame. We just learned about it as we entered the Oval Office.’ He acknowledged the long-standing conflict between the two nuclear nations and expressed hope for a quick end to the hostilities.

These statements were made during the swearing-in ceremony of Steve Witkoff as the U.S. special envoy to the Middle East.

Pakistan describes India’s ‘overt aggression’ as a breach of the UN charter and international law

Hammad Saeed

May 7, 2025

On Tuesday evening, Pakistan issued a strong condemnation of India’s missile strikes, labeling them as a cowardly act that blatantly violates the UN Charter, international law, and established norms of inter-state relations.

The Foreign Office stated, ‘Pakistan reserves the right to respond appropriately at a time and place of its choosing, in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter and as outlined in international law.’

The missile strikes, which occurred at five locations in Pakistan, resulted in the death of a child and injuries to two others, including a woman. The Foreign Office described the incident as an unprovoked and overt act of war, asserting that the Indian Air Force, while remaining within its airspace, violated Pakistan’s sovereignty by using standoff weapons to target civilians across the international border in Muridke and Bahawalpur, as well as across the Line of Control in Kotli and Muzaffarabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. This aggression has led to civilian casualties, including women and children, and poses a serious threat to commercial air traffic.

The Foreign Office further noted that following the Pahalgam attack, Indian leadership has once again exploited the issue of terrorism to further its false narrative of victimhood, endangering regional peace and security.

It emphasized that India’s reckless actions have brought the two nuclear-armed nations closer to a significant conflict. ‘The government, armed forces, and people of Pakistan are united in the face of Indian aggression and will respond with unwavering determination to protect and uphold Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,’ the statement concluded.

Missile strikes in Bahawalpur, Kotli, Muzaffarabad by India: DG ISPR

Asif Shahid

May 7, 2025

Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry early on Wednesday said that missile strikes were fired by India at Kotli, Bahwalpur and Muzaffarabad in a “cowardly attack” amid intense tensions between the two countries in the wake of a militant attack in occupied Kashmir.

Speaking to ARY News at 1:06am, DG Chaudhry said: “Some time ago from now, the cowardly enemy India launched air strikes on Subhanullah mosque in Bahwalpur’s Ahmed East area, Kotli and Muzaffarabad at three places from the air.

“All of our air force jets are airborne. This cowardly and shameful attack was carried out from within India’s airspace. They were never allowed to come and intrude into the space of Pakistan.”

He noted: “Let me say it unequivocally: Pakistan will respond to this at a time and place of its own choosing. This heinous provocation will not go unanswered.”

When questioned about potential casualties, DG ISPR said that damage assessments are ongoing and that he would provide more information at a later point.

“This temporary happiness that India has achieved with this cowardly attack will be replaced with enduring grief.”

Russia Supplies Igla-S Air Defense Missile Systems to India in Spite of U.S. and EU Sanctions

Asif Shahid

May 6, 2025

Russian-made Igla-S launcher and missile

According to a report from the Indian publication ‘India Today’ dated May 4, 2025, the Indian Army has received a new consignment of Igla-S Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS), known by NATO as SA-24 ‘Grinch’, provided by the Russia.

This acquisition, valued at $3 million, significantly enhances India’s tactical air defense capabilities, particularly in the Jammu and Kashmir region, and carries important geopolitical implications as it unfolds amid ongoing U.S. and European sanctions against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.

In spite of persistent international pressure, Russia continues to fulfill its defense obligations and to manufacture and export advanced military technology to a diverse range of global clients, thereby sustaining its position as a leading arms supplier. The SA-24 Igla-S is a third-generation, Russian-made, man-portable surface-to-air missile system that utilizes infrared guidance to target low-flying aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

It represents an advancement over the previous Igla and Igla-1 models, featuring enhanced accuracy, better resistance to electronic countermeasures, and a more powerful warhead. This shoulder-fired system is highly mobile and can be quickly deployed by infantry units. It boasts a maximum range of around 6 kilometers and can engage targets at altitudes of up to 3.5 kilometers. Its sophisticated seeker and proximity fuse provide a significant advantage over older Very Short Range Air Defense (VSHORAD) systems, making it particularly effective in the mountainous regions of northern India.

Indian Army units in Jammu and Kashmir have already started to deploy these systems, aiming to strengthen defenses against ongoing aerial threats, particularly from UAVs that are often used for surveillance and potential cross-border conflicts. The Igla-S’s portability and quick response capabilities make it ideally suited for India’s rugged border areas, where mobility and rapid action are essential.

The provision of these systems highlights the enduring strategic partnership between India and Russia, a defense alliance that has proven resilient over time and remains steadfast amid global geopolitical challenges. Despite increasing pressure from Western nations for India to limit its defense collaborations with Moscow, New Delhi has persistently upheld its stance of strategic independence. Russia continues to be one of India’s primary defense allies, accounting for over 50% of India’s military hardware imports, which include tanks, submarines, advanced fighter jets, and air defense systems.

Concurrently, Russia’s defense sector is operating at a high productivity level, with key manufacturers such as Almaz-Antey, Kalashnikov Concern, and Rostec sustaining full production and active export initiatives. Russian military equipment, ranging from air defense systems and armored vehicles to combat aircraft and naval platforms, remains highly sought after in regions including Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.

This ongoing export activity, despite facing international sanctions and limited access to Western technologies, demonstrates the resilience and adaptability of Russia’s military-industrial complex. Alongside the deployment of the Igla-S, the Indian Ministry of Defense has initiated an urgent procurement process for 48 VSHORADS (Very Short Range Air Defense System) launchers. These upgraded Igla-S variants will be produced under license in India, contributing to the country’s broader initiative for defense self-sufficiency under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” program. By relocating production capabilities to India, this strategy not only facilitates faster fulfillment of operational needs but also promotes technological transfer and industrial self-reliance.

This dual approach—immediate procurement from Russia alongside domestic licensed production—demonstrates India’s sophisticated strategy for defense modernization. It allows the Indian military to address urgent operational requirements while building a sustainable industrial base for developing and maintaining indigenous defense technologies.

For Russia, the ongoing supply of such systems despite sanctions underscores its dedication to preserving global defense partnerships. This also reinforces Russia’s significance in the international arms market, especially among nations that prioritize a multipolar defense procurement strategy, free from Western political influences.

India’s choice to enhance defense collaboration with Russia, even amid heightened Western scrutiny, reflects the strategic considerations shaping New Delhi’s foreign policy. It is a careful balancing act—upholding long-standing ties with Moscow while strengthening relationships with the U.S., France, and Israel.

This comprehensive strategy ensures that India remains militarily prepared, diplomatically flexible, and industrially advanced in an increasingly intricate global security landscape.

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