Pakistan claims it shot down 2 Indian aircraft, captured pilot

Srinagar

Pakistan has shot down two Indian fighter jets inside its airspace, an army spokesperson said, as tensions escalate a day after India air attack inside Pakistan.

The development comes as Indian officials said at least three Pakistani combat jets entered the airspace over Kashmir on Wednesday but returned after being intercepted by Indian Air Force planes.

Taking to social networking site Twitter Director General ISPR Major General Asif Ghafoor wrote on Twitter, “In response to PAF strikes this morning as released by MoFA, IAF crossed LOC. PAF shot down two Indian aircrafts inside Pakistani airspace. One of the aircraft fell inside AJ&K while other fell inside IOK. One Indian pilot arrested by troops on ground while two in the area.”

In response to PAF strikes this morning as released by MoFA, IAF crossed LOC. PAF shot down two Indian aircrafts inside Pakistani airspace. One of the aircraft fell inside AJ&K while other fell inside IOK. One Indian pilot arrested by troops on ground while two in the area.

— Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) February 27, 2019

India on Tuesday said it had launched an air attack inside Pakistan and that its warplanes killed “a very large number” of Jaish militants training camp, raising the risk of conflict between the two neighbours.

“Pakistan Air Force on Wednesday undertook strikes across the Line of Control from within Pakistani airspace. This was confirmed by Foreign Office in a statement in Islamabad,” reported Radio Pakistan.

“The  Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson, however, said this was not retaliation to continued Indian belligerence. The sole purpose of strikes was to demonstrate our right, will and capability for self-defence,” said the report.

The Pakistan Foreign Office Spokesperson in a statement said Pakistan has no intention of escalation, but are fully prepared to do so if forced into that paradigm. He said we undertook the action with a clear warning and in broad daylight.

The Pakistan foreign office said for the last few years, India had been trying to establish what they call a ‘new normal’ a thinly veiled term for doing acts of aggression at whatever pretext they wish on a given day. If India is striking at so-called terrorist backers without a shred of evidence, we also retain reciprocal rights to retaliate against elements that enjoy Indian patronage while carrying out acts of terror in Pakistan.

He said we do not wish to go to that route and wish that India gives peace a chance and to resolve issues like a mature democratic nation.

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