Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated following a series of cross-border attacks and retaliatory measures. Pakistan has targeted Jammu and other areas with loitering munitions and missiles, prompting a response from Indian air defense systems.
On Thursday, May 8, 2025, Pakistan reportedly targeted Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur military stations, which are near the International Boundary, with missiles and drones. Indian forces intercepted these incoming threats. Indian Air Defence Units successfully intercepted eight missiles fired from Pakistan that were aimed at Satwari, Samba, RS Pura and Arnia. The Indian Army has confirmed that the threats were neutralized using both kinetic and non-kinetic means, and there were no reported losses.
Following the attacks, blackouts were enforced in several regions, including Akhnoor, Kishtwar and Samba in Jammu, as well as Amritsar and Jalandhar in Punjab, and Bikaner in Rajasthan. Sirens were heard across various districts in the Jammu region. These measures were taken to ensure civil defense in the event of further hostile attacks.
The Pakistani action appears to be a retaliation for India's "Operation Sindoor," which involved precision strikes against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This operation was launched in response to an attack in Pahalgam on April 22, in which 26 civilians were killed. India has accused Pakistan-backed terrorists for the attack.
Loitering munitions, which Pakistan used in the attack, are precision-guided weapons that can hover over a target area to identify threats before striking. India also used these weapons during Operation Sindoor.
Amid the escalating tensions, India has stated it had foiled Pakistan's attempts to strike military targets across 15 cities in Northern and Western India using drones and missiles. India also claimed to have destroyed a Pakistani air defense system in Lahore. Pakistan, however, has denied that any military sites or air defense systems in Lahore were damaged.
The situation remains tense, with both sides making claims and counterclaims. The international community is urging both countries to exercise restraint and de-escalate tensions.
