World
Unconfirmed Reports Claim Indian Rafale Pilot Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh Captured in Pakistan-Administered Kashmir
Disclaimer: The following information is based on unverified reports and has not been officially confirmed by Indian or Pakistani authorities.
UPDATE: As tensions continue to rise between New Delhi and Islamabad, India is contending not only with cross-border hostilities involving drones, missile strikes, and artillery fire from Pakistan, but also with a surge of misinformation spreading across social media platforms.
On Saturday, a widely circulated false claim alleged that Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, India’s first female Rafale fighter pilot, had been captured by Pakistani forces. The rumor, accompanied by a viral video and image, falsely suggested that Singh had been apprehended near Sialkot following the downing of her aircraft during heightened military confrontations.
However, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) promptly issued a statement refuting the claim, confirming that the reports were entirely baseless and part of an online misinformation campaign.
Reports circulating on social media and some regional platforms suggest that Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, the Indian Air Force’s first female Rafale fighter pilot, has allegedly been captured in Kotli, located in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
The circumstances surrounding the alleged incident remain unclear, and no official statements have been issued by the Indian Air Force (IAF) or the Government of India as of now.
Latest Footage allegedly shows Pakistani security forces rushing toward an ejected Indian pilot to take her into custody. It is still unconfirmed either.
Shivangi Singh, 29, holds the distinction of being the first and only woman in India assigned to fly the French-made Rafale multirole fighter aircraft, a symbol of India’s growing air power.
She joined the IAF in 2017 and was inducted into the fighter stream in 2018, two years after the Indian military first began allowing women in combat flying roles.
In a past interview with AFP, Singh reflected on her journey, recalling her childhood fascination with aviation during a visit to the Indian Air Force Museum in New Delhi: “This is where my adventure began. I knew immediately that I wanted to become a pilot.” Her progression into the elite Rafale squadron marked a significant milestone not only in her career but also in the modernization and gender inclusivity of the Indian armed forces.
Married to a fellow fighter pilot, Singh has often spoken about breaking barriers and inspiring a new generation of women in defense services.
She is seen as a prominent face of India’s push toward a more inclusive military.
Despite the social media speculation, no confirmation or denial has been issued by defense officials from either side.
The situation remains fluid, and further developments are awaited to verify the authenticity of these claims.
Until official confirmation is provided, these reports should be treated with caution.
GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR — A powerful car bomb detonated near Mall del Sol in Guayaquil resulting in multiple fatalities and numerous injuries, according to local authorities.
The blast, which sent shockwaves across the bustling commercial district, is being investigated as a possible terror or organized crime-related attack amid Ecuador’s ongoing struggle with rising gang violence.
The explosion occurred near one of the main entrances of Mall del Sol, one of Guayaquil’s largest and busiest shopping centers, located in the north of the city.
Witnesses described a scene of chaos and destruction as a vehicle parked along the roadside suddenly erupted into flames, sending a massive fireball and thick black smoke into the air.
Surveillance footage and videos shared on social media captured the moment of the detonation, showing debris flying across the street as nearby cars were engulfed by the blast.
Several storefronts and vehicles in the vicinity were heavily damaged, and windows shattered across multiple nearby buildings.
Initial reports from emergency responders indicate that several people were killed, and multiple others sustained serious injuries.
The exact number of casualties has not yet been officially confirmed as rescue operations continue.
Firefighters, police, and medical teams quickly arrived at the scene, cordoning off the area and extinguishing the burning vehicles. Paramedics transported the injured to nearby hospitals, while authorities evacuated the surrounding area to ensure public safety.
Officials from Ecuador’s National Police and Armed Forces have launched an immediate investigation into the attack. Early indications suggest that explosives were deliberately placed inside a parked vehicle, though authorities have not yet disclosed details about the type of device used or any possible suspects.
The Attorney General’s Office and anti-terrorism units are leading the forensic examination of the blast site. Authorities have increased security across Guayaquil and other major Ecuadorian cities, fearing possible coordinated attacks.
Ecuador’s Minister of the Interior condemned the attack, calling it a “cowardly act of violence intended to spread fear among citizens.” The government pledged to bring those responsible to justice and reaffirmed its commitment to restoring security amid escalating gang-related violence in the region.
Residents are urged to avoid the Mall del Sol area as the investigation remains active.
Further updates are expected as officials release more information on the number of victims and the circumstances leading up to the explosion.