A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) pilot has been captured by Indian security forces after ejecting from his fighter jet over Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The incident occurred amid escalating tensions between the two countries, as Pakistan launched a second wave of aerial attacks targeting key Indian locations within a span of 24 hours.
The pilot, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, was apprehended by a Quick Reaction Team (QRT) of the Border Security Force (BSF) shortly after he ejected from his aircraft. Sources confirmed to The Tribune that the pilot was taken into custody without incident.
This latest capture followed a failed Pakistani offensive, which saw a barrage of drones and missiles launched late Thursday night toward critical targets in Indian states including Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. Indian air defence systems, including the advanced S-400 missile system, were activated and successfully neutralised the incoming threats.
Among the targets reportedly aimed at were Jammu Airport, an army installation in Udhampur, and strategic locations in Akhnoor, Pathankot, Gurdaspur, and Jaisalmer. Defence sources informed Times Now that two Pakistani drones were shot down near Jammu University, while additional drone activity was reported near the Kutch region in Gujarat.
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As a precautionary measure, several areas across Jammu, Punjab, and Rajasthan experienced blackouts. Former Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police, S.P. Vaid, posted on X, “Complete blackout in Jammu. Loud explosions—bombing, shelling, or missile strikes suspected. Fret not—Mata Vaishno Devi is with us, and so are the valiant Indian Armed Forces.”
In a prompt and forceful retaliation, India launched missile strikes targeting Pakistani cities including Lahore, Sialkot, Islamabad, and Karachi. These strikes reportedly destroyed several key components of Pakistan’s military infrastructure, including air defence radars and an AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System).
The United States weighed in on the situation, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio issuing a strong reprimand to Pakistan and urging immediate de-escalation. Rubio also spoke to India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar following the attacks.
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This marks Pakistan’s second failed escalation in less than 24 hours. Earlier on Thursday morning, Indian defence systems had successfully intercepted a coordinated aerial assault aimed at 15 Indian locations. According to a statement from the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Pakistan had attempted to target military installations in Awantipora, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bathinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj.
These attacks came in retaliation to India’s recently launched Operation Sindoor, which targeted and dismantled terrorist infrastructure at nine locations across the border, including areas in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
India’s swift countermeasures employed the Integrated Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Grid and advanced air defence systems to neutralise the threats. The PIB confirmed that debris from downed drones and missiles is being recovered from multiple locations, serving as physical evidence of Pakistan’s aggression.
At this time, there are no confirmed reports of casualties or damage to infrastructure on the Indian side. Security forces across the border states remain on high alert as tensions continue to simmer.
Also Read: Blackout imposed in Punjab, Rajasthan, Jammu border areas
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