Indian security forces have captured a Pakistani pilot in Rajasthan's Lathi area after his JF-17 fighter jet was shot down near the border, India TV sources have confirmed. The wreckage of the aircraft was found near Jaisalmer, and a search operation is underway for any additional crew members or debris. Search is underway for another pilot of the Pakistan Army, sources said.
According to defence officials, the JF-17, which crossed into Indian airspace, was intercepted and brought down by Indian air defence systems on Thursday. The incident comes amid heightened border tensions following multiple drone intrusions and missile launches by Pakistan over the past few days.
The downing of the JF-17 marks a significant escalation, with both sides now on high alert amid the ongoing border standoff. Further details regarding the captured pilot's identity and condition are yet to be disclosed. Earlier today, Pakistan attempted to target several Indian military bases in northern and western regions, including Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, and Jalandhar, but its missiles and drones were intercepted by India's integrated air defence grid.
India also shot down Pakistan Air Force's F-16 as well as JF-17 after Pakistan tried to attack multiple locations on Thursday. Pakistan made attempts to target several locations in India; however, Indian air defence guns shot down the intruding drones. According to sources, the Indian SAM (Surface-to-air missile) shot down the F-16 fighter jet near the Sargodha air base.
Sound of blasts rocks Jaisalmer, blackout clamped in western Rajasthan districts
Sounds of massive explosions were heard in Jaisalmer, and a blackout was enforced in western Rajasthan districts bordering Pakistan, plunging the whole stretch into darkness, police said.
A top official confirmed a massive sound was heard in Jaisalmer. After a brief lull, the sound of explosions continued for nearly an hour. With people panicking, police personnel started patrolling. Sirens blared multiple times in Barmer, too.
Officials said security forces are on high alert. Tension between India and its western neighbour soared after the Indian armed forces conducted precision strikes early on Wednesday in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), targeting terror launchpads in response to the attack by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's tourist spot Pahalgam, killing 26 civilians in cold blood on April 22.
