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.
World
Counter-Terrorism Police Identify Suspect in Manchester Synagogue Attack as 35-year-old Jihad al Shamie
Manchester, UK – Counter-terrorism police have formally identified the man responsible for today’s deadly attack outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester as Jihad al Shamie, a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent.
Al Shamie was shot and killed by armed officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) after he rammed his car into worshippers and began stabbing individuals gathered for Yom Kippur services.
Authorities confirmed that two people were killed and several others injured, including a synagogue security guard. Four victims are being treated for injuries caused by both the vehicle collision and stab wounds.
According to initial reports from the Press Association, al Shamie’s name does not currently appear in existing police or security service counter-terrorism records, and he was not under active investigation prior to the attack. Further database checks are ongoing to determine whether his details appear in any other historical inquiries.
Earlier in the day, GMP stated that the attacker’s identity was known to them but could not be publicly confirmed at the time due to “safety reasons at the scene.” Bomb disposal units had been deployed because of suspicious items found on the suspect’s body, including a possible explosive device.
09:31 BST – GMP received reports of a car ramming into congregants outside the synagogue in the Crumpsall area of Manchester, approximately four miles from the city centre.
The attacker exited the vehicle armed with a knife and assaulted multiple victims before being confronted by firearms officers.
Dramatic video footage from bystanders shows police aiming weapons at the suspect, who was on the ground, before he attempted to rise. Officers fired additional shots, fatally wounding him.
In the same footage, another individual can be seen lying near the synagogue gates in a pool of blood, while police shouted warnings about a potential bomb.
The incident has been declared a major terrorist incident. GMP confirmed that the “immediate danger appears to be over,” but the area remains sealed off while forensic officers, counter-terrorism investigators, and explosives experts conduct searches.
Political and community leaders have strongly condemned the attack:
- Kemi Badenoch, Conservative Party leader, described it as “an outrageous attack on the Jewish community on their holiest day – vile and disgusting.”
- Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham told BBC Radio Manchester it is “believed” the suspect is dead, though formal confirmation is pending, and reassured residents that the immediate threat has been contained.
- King Charles III and Queen Camilla issued a statement expressing that they were “deeply shocked and saddened” by the assault, adding: “Especially on such a significant day for the Jewish community. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this appalling incident, and we greatly appreciate the swift actions of the emergency services.”
Counter-terrorism detectives are working to establish al Shamie’s background, potential motives, and whether he had any connections to extremist groups. Officials stressed that at this stage, he is believed to have acted alone.
GMP and national security agencies remain on high alert and have urged the public to remain vigilant, avoid the affected area, and report any suspicious activity immediately.