PAF jets damage claim branded ‘absolutely fake

Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has rejected reports claiming that Pakistani fighter jets were damaged in a Houthi missile attack on a Saudi military base, describing the allegations as “absolutely fake.”

The ministry’s fact-checking account said social media posts were circulating claims that Houthi missiles had struck King Abdulaziz Air Base in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. The posts alleged that three Pakistan Air Force (PAF) JF-17 fighter jets were damaged in the attack and later evacuated from the base.

The ministry said there was no credible or official report confirming any damage to Pakistani aircraft. It also shared a screenshot of one of the circulating posts and marked the claim as false.

According to the ministry, the reports were part of what it described as a disinformation campaign targeting Pakistan’s military cooperation with Saudi Arabia. It said the alleged damage and evacuation of PAF aircraft had been fabricated.

Pakistan has deployed military personnel and PAF aircraft at King Abdulaziz Air Base as part of its defence cooperation with Saudi Arabia. The deployment is aimed at strengthening security cooperation and improving coordination between the armed forces of the two countries.

Saudi Arabia’s Defence Ministry had previously said that the Pakistani contingent included fighter and support aircraft. It said the deployment was intended to enhance joint military coordination and improve operational readiness between the two countries’ armed forces.

The claims emerged amid heightened regional tensions and recent Houthi attacks on Saudi targets. Houthi forces have reportedly targeted locations in southern Saudi Arabia, including King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait.

Reports said the attacks targeted military infrastructure, including hangars, radar facilities, runways and ammunition storage areas. Saudi authorities also issued emergency alerts in Khamis Mushait and other southern areas following the attacks.

However, no credible reports have indicated that King Abdulaziz Air Base in Dhahran was hit or that any Pakistani JF-17 aircraft stationed there were damaged. The information ministry urged the public to rely on verified and official sources instead of unverified social media claims.