• Pakistan's Defence Minister confirmed five Indian jets were downed in response to missile strikes.
• India launched missile attacks, reportedly targeting civilian areas, leading to casualties.
• Both nations have closed airspace and suspended borders amid escalating tensions.

The Pakistan Air Force has reportedly downed five Indian fighter jets following missile strikes initiated by India, according to Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. This incident escalated after India targeted multiple cities in Pakistan, resulting in significant casualties, including eight deaths and several injuries. The Pakistani military claims the air strikes were aimed at "civilian areas" and constituted a provocative act by India, which has triggered retaliatory measures from Pakistan to maintain national security, as reported by TRT World and Anadolu Agency.

On the Indian side, military sources have allegedly acknowledged the loss of at least three aircraft during recent operations, with reports indicating that these losses may include advanced Rafale and MiG-29 jets. Experts are characterizing this as indicative of weaknesses within India's air force capabilities amidst the ongoing conflict. According to Le Monde, this operation's setbacks have led to critical scrutiny of India's military strategies.

Furthermore, as tensions escalated, both nations took significant measures in response to the military actions. Pakistan announced a temporary closure of its airspace, impacting international flights, while India also shut down several northern airports. This reciprocal response reflects the heightened state of alert and mutual suspicions between the two nations. The border closures and operational halts indicate a serious downturn in diplomatic relations, as highlighted by TRT World and Anadolu Agency.

As diplomatic tensions rise, both sides appear increasingly entangled in military posturing, particularly following a violent incident in April, which India has linked to Pakistan through unverified claims. The ongoing clashes serve to aggravate an already fraught relationship, with calls for an impartial inquiry into the serious accusations remaining unheeded, according to Le Monde.