India, Pakistan Fighter Jets Engage In First Aerial Dogfight Following Operation Sindoor

India and Pakistan engaged in the first aerial combat since the escalation of tensions following the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22. Fighter jets from both nations were involved in a rare dogfight early on Saturday morning. The clash followed a violation of Indian airspace by Pakistani aircraft, prompting a swift and forceful response from the Indian Air Force. The IAF's response forced the Pakistani jets to flee.

The dogfight was triggered after Pakistani jets entered Indian airspace over Jammu, according to a report by the Hindu Business Line. Indian fighter planes were scrambled immediately, forcing the intruding aircraft to retreat. The Indian military also activated its air defence systems as the situation unfolded.

The types of jets from either side are not known at this moment.

Pakistan Sustains Heavy Damage

In a press briefing, the Centre said India, in response to the continuous onslaught by Pakistan, selectively targeted Pakistan's technical installations, command and control centres, radar sites and arms depots. Aerial weapons and fighter jets hit military installations at Rafiki, Murid, Chaklala, Rahimyar Khan, Sukhur, and Chunia. The radar site at Pasur and the aviation base at Sialkot were also damaged by precision ammunition.

Shelling Continues In Jammu & Kashmir

Around 6 AM, a loud explosion echoed through the Jammu and Kashmir region, alarming residents. Locals also reported hearing a series of low-decibel blasts, believed to be the result of drone strikes.

Meanwhile, the border areas of Rajouri, Uri, Udhampur, and Kupwara came under relentless shelling from Pakistani forces throughout the night. The heavy bombardment caused significant structural damage and resulted in multiple casualties, with several civilians killed and many others injured.

The escalation comes just days after India launched a series of targeted strikes on nine terrorist camps reportedly operated by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad, and Hizbul Mujahideen. These camps were located in Pakistan’s Punjab province and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

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