World
Senior French Intelligence Source Confirms Indian Rafale Fighter Jet Shot Down by Pakistan
A senior French intelligence official has informed CNN that one Indian Air Force Rafale fighter jet was shot down by Pakistan, marking what could be the first-ever combat loss of the highly advanced French-made aircraft.
The incident reportedly occurred amid heightened military tensions between India and Pakistan.
Earlier on Wednesday, Pakistan claimed it had shot down a total of five Indian Air Force jets in retaliation for Indian airstrikes—alleging that three of those were Rafales.
As of now, Indian authorities have not issued an official response to Pakistan’s assertions.
The Rafale, manufactured by Dassault Aviation, is a 10-ton twin-engine multirole fighter jet capable of conducting both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
It is equipped with a 30mm cannon, beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, precision-guided munitions, and cruise missiles.
The Indian Air Force had procured 36 Rafales under a high-profile defense agreement with France, aimed at enhancing its combat capabilities.
French authorities are currently investigating the incident to determine whether more than one Rafale may have been downed during the overnight hostilities.
While the French military has not officially commented, the intelligence community in Paris is closely monitoring developments.
Pakistan’s military leadership stated that its forces intercepted and engaged Indian aircraft in what was described as a “dogfight,” resulting in the downing of multiple jets.
The country’s defense chief said the military’s actions were a “befitting lesson” in response to Indian aggression.
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing regional and international monitoring as further details emerge.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – A disturbing incident unfolded on Monday evening, May 26, 2025, during Liverpool Football Club’s Premier League trophy parade, when a vehicle drove into a crowd of fans gathered in the city centre, striking multiple pedestrians.
According to Merseyside Police, the collision occurred shortly after 6:00 p.m. on Water Street, where thousands of supporters had lined the streets to celebrate the club’s title victory.
A newly surfaced video shows the moment the vehicle drove directly into the crowd, causing panic and confusion among those gathered.
Police confirmed that the vehicle came to a stop at the scene, and a male suspect was immediately detained.
Emergency services responded swiftly, and medical personnel were seen attending to injured individuals at the location.
A man driving a car has ploughed into Liverpool fans, out celebrating their Premiership win. People are seriously injured' after person drove vehicle into crowd in Liverpool City Centre in England, police officer says.https://t.co/nxGYm196kA pic.twitter.com/FbObdUotHx
— News Channel3 Now (@newschannel3now) May 26, 2025
In an official statement, Merseyside Police said:
“We are currently dealing with reports of a road traffic collision in Liverpool city centre. We were contacted just after 6:00 p.m. today, Monday 26 May, following reports that a car had been in collision with a number of pedestrians on Water Street. The car stopped at the scene and a male has been detained. Emergency services are currently on scene. We will issue more updates as we have them.”
Authorities have not yet confirmed how many people were injured or the severity of those injuries. Investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the incident and whether it was intentional.
The incident cast a shadow over what had been a day of celebration for Liverpool fans, many of whom were seen lighting smoke flares and waving flags during the citywide parade.
Further information will be released as the investigation progresses.