[Source/Observer Network, Liu Chenghui] Indian troops' cross-border attack has sharply escalated the situation between India and Pakistan, and the incident is still ongoing.

Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif delivered a national speech on the evening of May 7, local time, confirming that the Pakistani military had shot down five Indian aircraft. He condemned India's "cowardly" attack again, saying that the Pakistani military had inflicted "injuries that time cannot heal" on the Indian military. Earlier, he praised the "brave" performance of his country's military during an afternoon speech to parliament, emphasizing that the Pakistani military was maintaining round-the-clock combat readiness, and Pakistan had full right to respond fully; India would bear the consequences of the attack.

A senior Pakistani security source said that a total of 125 aircraft from both sides participated in more than an hour of continuous fighting, but neither side's aircraft left their respective airspace; the missile exchange distance once exceeded 160 kilometers. A French senior intelligence official confirmed to U.S. media that one of the French-made "Rafale" fighter jets was shot down by the Pakistani military, marking the first combat loss for the "Rafale."

Meanwhile, countries continue to make statements regarding the incident, with multiple parties calling for rapid de-escalation of the conflict. U.S. President Trump called for both India and Pakistan to "stop fighting" and said he was willing to help; Turkish President Erdogan spoke with Sharif, expressing support for Pakistan's "calm and restrained policies" during the crisis. UK Prime Minister Starmer said he had "urgently" communicated with India and Pakistan, encouraging dialogue to achieve de-escalation.

Sharif delivered a national address on the evening of May 7

Sharif: Inflicted "injuries that time cannot heal" on the Indian military

According to reports from Pakistan's Dawn newspaper and CNN, Sharif said in his afternoon speech to the Pakistani parliament in the capital Islamabad that India launched dozens of aircraft in the attack, killing 26 innocent civilians and injuring 46 others.

Sharif praised the performance of the Pakistani military in responding to enemy aircraft, emphasizing that the Pakistani military was maintaining round-the-clock combat readiness.

"A few days ago, India proudly showed off its purchased Rafale fighters. But people shouldn't be too proud," Sharif told the members of parliament. "These aircraft took off in formation, but our air force was also prepared."

He added: "We are a nuclear-armed nation and also a country capable of conventional warfare. There is no higher respect or honor than this."

As Sharif finished speaking, the members of parliament shouted "Long Live Pakistan" in the parliamentary building.

Sharif also reiterated that national security is an inviolable bottom line, and Pakistan will continue to firmly defend its airspace and sovereignty. He stated that Pakistan will not tolerate any actions that undermine the country's sovereignty and security, while urging the international community to recognize India's destructive role in the region.

Sharif delivered a speech to the Pakistani parliament

Sharif did not elaborate on how Pakistan would respond to India's attack, previously calling the attack "an act of war."

According to an earlier statement on the morning of July 7, the National Security Council clearly authorized the armed forces to take all necessary measures to defend national sovereignty and public safety and retained the right to further retaliate at a time, place, and manner of their own choosing.

In his national address later that evening, Sharif said that India would have to bear the consequences of its "cowardly" attack. "Perhaps they still think we will retreat, but they overlooked the fact that we are a nation built on courage."

Sharif said that the Pakistani military "forced the enemy to submit within just a few hours."

He described the severe damage inflicted by the Pakistani air force on the Indian military, causing "injuries that time cannot heal."

"Our aircraft stirred up storms in the sky, and the enemy cried out in pain. Those five aircraft, which were once the pride of the Indian military, have now turned into ashes and debris."

Sharif vowed that India would pay for every drop of blood shed by those who died in last night's airstrikes.

"This cowardly enemy attacked unarmed civilians, yet thought itself strong. But last night, we proved that Pakistan knows how to strike back powerfully in self-defense. All citizens pay tribute to the bravery of the armed forces," Sharif said.

French officials confirm: "Rafale" suffers its first combat loss

A gun attack targeting tourists occurred in Indian-controlled Kashmir on April 22, causing significant casualties. The Indian side attributed the shooting incident to Pakistan. Both countries subsequently adopted tough measures, escalating the situation.

On the early morning of May 7, the Indian Press Information Bureau issued a statement saying that the Indian Air Force carried out "Operation Sindoor," attacking "terrorist facilities" in Pakistan, striking nine targets in Pakistan (five located in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir).

According to the latest data released by a Pakistani Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) official, the death toll in Pakistan and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir has risen to 31, with another 57 injured.

Pakistani security sources previously revealed that Pakistan "acted in self-defense" and shot down three French-made "Rafale" fighters, one Su-30 fighter, and one MiG-29 fighter. Additionally, one Indian "Heron" drone was also shot down. Another senior Pakistani government official confirmed this list, but Indian officials have not responded to these claims.

According to an analysis by an Observer Network military observer, based on video footage of the crash site near Kalan Village in Punjab, India, currently circulating online, it can be confirmed that there are remnants of French-made "Mica" air-to-air missiles and their launchers, which can be used on "Rafale" and Mirage 2000 aircraft; additionally, remnants suspected to be French-made M53 turbofan engines used on Mirage 2000 fighters were also found.

The first Rafale fighter jet received by India, numbered BS001, as well as social media images of what is believed to be its tail fin wreckage. Social Media

According to CNN reports, the news that the Pakistani military shot down a "Rafale" fighter jet has been confirmed by French officials.

A senior French intelligence official told CNN that an Indian Air Force-operated "Rafale" fighter jet was shot down by Pakistan, marking the first combat loss for the "Rafale."

The official also said that French authorities are investigating whether more than one "Rafale" fighter jet was shot down by Pakistan overnight.

A senior Pakistani security source told CNN that this Indo-Pakistani air battle was one of the largest and longest aerial clashes in recent aviation history.

The source said that a total of 125 fighters engaged in over an hour of intense fighting, with neither side leaving their respective airspace; the missile exchange distance sometimes exceeded 160 kilometers.

Pakistani Defense Minister Asif said on July 7 that India's latest attack seemed to want to expand the conflict between the two countries, but Pakistan was "trying to avoid" a full-scale war.

He criticized India's fatal attack as an "unmistakable violation."

"(India) crossed the international border," Asif told CNN reporters. "This is an unmistakable violation, an attempt to escalate the conflict, and could transform the conflict into a wider and more dangerous situation for the region."

He insisted that while India continues to raise regional tensions, the Pakistani military is ready for a "full-scale war."

Asif added: "What will happen next? We are ready for a full-scale war. There is no doubt about it, because India is intensifying the intensity and risk of the conflict. So we cannot let our guard down."

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