Islamabad, May 13, 2025 — In an unprecedented escalation of aerial hostilities between Pakistan and India, Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) took personal control during a critical air engagement, ordering his pilots to “Kill them, kill them… don’t allow any Indian Air Force (IAF) jets into Pakistani airspace”. Geo News The conflict occurred amid escalated tensions following India’s announcement of “Operation Sindoor”, an airstrike campaign targeting suspected terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan-administered territories. India claims these strikes are in retaliation for an attack in Kashmir which claimed 26 Indian tourist lives and initiated “Operation Sindoor.” Aviation A2Z’s +6 coverage includes The Guardian + 6 @EconomicTimes @TheEconomicTimes and @Economic Times as well. Among others. These outlets reported + 6 in each publication: Aviation A2Z’s + 6 The Times + 4 The Guardian + 4 @EconomicTimes + 4 The Times + 4 The Guardian + 4 correspondant The Times + 4 according to Pakistani sources, Pakistan Air Force successfully shot down five Indian aircraft during the engagement, including three Rafale fighters, one MiG-29, and one Su-30. Indian officials remain skeptical as their losses have yet to be verified and have dismissed Pakistan’s claims as unverified. Business Insider The News International At the PAF command center, reports of downed Indian jets reportedly led to scenes of celebration, reflecting intense nationalistic fervor surrounding this conflict. Business Insider +2 The News International +2 [Instagram]. Indian Air Force strikes against 11 Pakistani military airbases between May 8-10 were conducted as a response to escalated hostilities between both nations, targeting key installations such as Nur Khan, Sargodha and Skardu to disrupt Pakistan’s aerial command and strike capabilities. For more information visit The Economic Times of India or The Times of India International leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump who commented “I just hope it ends quickly”, have voiced deep concern at the increasing hostilities between two nuclear-armed neighbors. Calls have been issued for restraint and dialogue by global leaders like these as the situation escalates further between these neighbors armed with nuclear arsenals. The international community is deeply alarmed at these growing tensions between them; callouts to restraint and dialogue have come from global leaders such as Donald Trump who voiced this sentiment at an appearance before audience of U.S. nuclear-armed neighbors as tensions flare. The Guardian+1The Times have issued their callout: “it’s a shame… I hope it ends very quickly.” (Their words). As both nations strengthen their military positions, the risk of further escalation looms large. The situation remains highly unstable with significant regional and global ramifications should the conflict continue without abatement.
