Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated, with reports of heavy shelling at Punjab's Pathankot Airbase following earlier incidents in Jammu. The recent attacks are occurring in the backdrop of India's "Operation Sindoor," launched in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam.
On Thursday, May 8, 2025, Pakistani forces targeted multiple locations in Jammu and Kashmir, including the Jammu airport, using loitering munitions. Sirens were heard across the region, and blackouts were enforced in Jammu, Samba, and Amritsar. Simultaneously, reports emerged of shelling at the Pathankot Airbase in Punjab.
India's air defense units, including the S-400 Sudarshan Chakra, were activated and responded to the attacks. According to the Defence Ministry, Pakistan also attempted to target Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj. However, these attempts were reportedly foiled by India's Integrated Counter UAS Grid and Air Defence systems. The debris from these attacks is currently being recovered.
Initial reports suggested that the Pathankot Airbase sustained no damage. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) confirmed that the situation was under control and that all necessary precautions were in place. India Today TV reported that Jaisalmer in Rajasthan was also attacked, but the Pakistani drones were intercepted by Indian air defense systems.
The recent escalation follows India's "Operation Sindoor," a series of missile strikes on terror targets within Pakistan, including Bahawalpur, a stronghold of the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror group. This operation was launched in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, where 26 civilians were killed. India has stated that its actions were a proportionate response to Pakistan's inaction against terrorist infrastructure within its borders.
Pakistan has claimed to have shot down 25 Israeli-made drones and killed "40 to 50 Indian soldiers" along the Line of Control (LoC). Pakistan's military also reported that one civilian was killed and four troops were injured in the operation. Airports in Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore were briefly closed.
India has accused Pakistan of initiating the escalation with the Pahalgam attack and maintains that its response has been measured and targeted at terrorist infrastructure. The Indian Army has accused Pakistan of unprovoked firing in Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, and Akhnoor sectors.
The international community is closely watching the situation, with concerns about further escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
