News Desk
- India targets civilian populations in six places
- Pakistan brings down five Indian jets
- Indian security official admits “3 fighter jets crashed on home territory”
ISLAMABAD: China on Wednesday expressed “regret and concern” over Indian strikes on Pakistan, urging both sides to show restraint in response to a major escalation between its nuclear-armed neighbours.
“We call on both India and Pakistan to prioritise peace and stability, remain calm and restrained and avoid taking actions that further complicate the situation,” a spokesperson for Beijing’s foreign ministry said.
Pakistan brings down five Indian jets
The Pakistani military has brought down five Indian jets in retaliation for late-night strikes launched by its neighbouring country at six sites, including in Punjab’s Muridke, Sialkot and Bahawalpur, as well as Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Indian airstrikes
The military confrontation between Pakistan and India began a little after 1am on Wednesday with the Indian air strikes. Soon after reports emerged, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed the strikes, saying that India had carried out the attacks from within its airspace.
The military spokesperson provided an updated damage assessment of the scenario at around 4am, reporting the death of eight civilians, including children.
Meanwhile, AFP quoted senior Indian security sources as saying that three Indian fighter jets have “crashed on home territory.”
