Indian Rafales pull back after PAF scramble near Kashmir border

As many as four Indian Rafale jets patrolled near the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir overnight, prompting a swift response from the Pakistan Air Force that reportedly forced them to retreat.

The incident occurred during the night between April 29 and 30, Caliber.Az reports per Pakistani media.

The IAF jets reportedly remained within Indian airspace but operated near the sensitive frontier region, raising alarms on the Pakistani side.

"On the night of April 29/30, four Indian Rafale jets conducted patrolling within Indian geographical boundaries," the sources said, adding that the PAF responded promptly after detecting the activity.

To recall, tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated sharply following a deadly terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir.​ Thus, on April 22, gunmen attacked tourists in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, resulting in 26 deaths, including 25 Hindu tourists and one Christian tourist. The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Pakistan-based group Lashkar-e-Taiba, initially claimed responsibility. India accuses Pakistan of supporting the attackers, a claim Pakistan denies.​

In response to the attack, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a crucial water-sharing agreement, and expelled Pakistani diplomats. Pakistan retaliated by closing its airspace to Indian aircraft, suspending trade, and expelling Indian diplomats. Both countries have suspended key bilateral agreements, including the Shimla Agreement.

By Aghakazim Guliyev