The strikes were in response to a terrorist attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, in Indian-administered parts of Kashmir. The attack killed 26 civilians, most of whom were non-Muslim Indian tourists.
Citing intelligence reports, New Delhi said the terrorist groups involved in the attack were backed by Pakistan, and described the missile strikes as “precision strikes at terrorist camps” at nine locations, which it claimed were used to plan and direct attacks against India.
India reportedly deployed its fighter jet fleets, including French-made Rafale jets armed with Scalp missiles and AASM Hammer bombs that allow long- and medium-range precision strikes. Islamabad said it had shot down five of the Indian fighter aircraft, three of which it said were Rafale jets.
India has not yet acknowledged these claims, but French intelligence sources have confirmed that at least one of India’s Rafale planes had been shot down by Pakistan, according to CNN.
