Pak's F16 shot down by Taliban? Viral video showing serial number 85610 sparks buzz amid Pakistan-Afghanistan 'open war'

Afghan forces today claimed to have shot down a Pakistani aircraft, a F16 fighter jet, that entered Afghanistan’s airspace, according to a report by Tolo News citing sources. An unverified video showing the burning wreckage of what is claimed to be a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet has gone viral on social media. Pakistan has confirmed it carried out strikes on militants but said it lost no aircraft.

Viral video shows wreckage with Pakistani markings

The viral clip circulating online shows the wreckage of a fighter jet bearing serial number 85610 and a Pakistani flag painted on its body. Afghan media outlets claimed their forces brought down the jet after Pakistani airstrikes entered Afghan airspace on Friday.

Pakistan, however, acknowledged conducting strikes targeting militants but maintained there were zero aircraft losses.


ET.com, however, could not independently verify the video or confirm whether the wreckage shown belongs to a Pakistani F-16.

Pakistan airstrikes and retaliation push neighbours to brink

The claims come amid a sharp escalation between the two neighbours. Pakistan carried out strikes on major Afghan cities, including Kabul, with its defence minister declaring the countries are now at “open war” after months of tit-for-tat clashes.

Pakistan’s latest operation followed an attack by Afghan forces on Pakistani border troops on Thursday night, which Islamabad said was retaliation for earlier airstrikes.

Relations have worsened steadily in recent months. Land border crossings have largely remained shut since deadly fighting in October that killed more than 70 people on both sides.

Pakistan-Afghanistan War

Islamabad has repeatedly accused Afghanistan of failing to act against militant groups that launch attacks inside Pakistan. The Taliban government in Kabul has denied the allegation.

Several rounds of talks followed an initial ceasefire brokered by Qatar and Turkey, but negotiations have not resulted in a lasting agreement.

Both militaries say dozens of soldiers have been killed in the latest round of clashes, which follows multiple Pakistani strikes and repeated exchanges of fire along the frontier in recent months.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the country’s armed forces can "have the full capability to crush any aggressive ambitions".

As the situation develops, the authenticity of the viral video and the claim of a downed jet remain unverified, even as tensions between the two countries continue to climb.