Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated sharply, with reports of attacks and interceptions occurring along the border regions. The recent events follow India's "Operation Sindoor," a retaliatory strike against terrorist infrastructure within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This operation was launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which resulted in the death of 26 people.
On Thursday, May 8, 2025, Pakistan reportedly targeted several Indian cities, including Jammu, Jaisalmer and Pathankot, with missiles and drones. India's air defense systems were activated, and multiple incoming threats were intercepted. Explosions were heard in Jammu, and sirens were activated across the region. Blackouts were enforced in several areas, including Samba in Jammu Division, Bikaner in Rajasthan, Bhuj in Gujarat and Jalandhar in Punjab.
In Jaisalmer, all Pakistani drones were reportedly neutralized before they could enter Indian airspace. Visuals have emerged of Indian air defense systems intercepting Pakistani drones. Unconfirmed reports indicate that a Pakistani fighter jet, an F-16, was shot down by India. Later reports suggest that a Pakistani fighter plane was shot down near Pokhran's Lathi in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. India has claimed to have shot down two Pakistani fighter jets, specifically F-16 and JF-17.
Indian forces intercepted eight missiles launched from Pakistan targeting Samba, Satwari, RS Pura, and Arnia sectors. The S-400 air defense system was instrumental in destroying missiles mid-air that were aimed at critical targets including the Jammu civil airport. While most threats were neutralized, one drone reportedly struck near Jammu airport. Drone attacks were also detected across Udhampur, Akhnoor and Pathankot.
The Indian Army and Border Security Force (BSF) have cordoned off a 100 km zone along the India-Pakistan border. Military intelligence has observed heavy troop mobilization across the border, raising concerns about further hostile actions.
Following India's strikes on Pakistani terror hideouts, the Pakistani military claimed that India conducted drone strikes in Lahore, Karachi, and other locations. Karachi airport was temporarily closed. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that his country has the right to respond to what he termed an "act of war".
Amid the escalating tensions, the Indian Army is deploying IL-17 air defense guns across the border to counter aerial threats. Power cuts were initiated in Jammu and Amritsar to facilitate uninterrupted air defense operations.
