Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated sharply, with Pakistan's military claiming that Indian forces targeted three of its airbases with missiles and drones. The alleged attacks occurred early Saturday morning, prompting Pakistan to close its airspace.
According to Pakistan's military spokesperson, Lieutenant General Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry, the targeted airbases were Nur Khan (Chaklala, Rawalpindi), Murid (Chakwal), and Rafiqui (Shorkot in Jhang district). Chaudhry asserted that Indian forces used air-to-surface missiles launched from warplanes. He also claimed that several missiles were intercepted by Pakistan's air defense systems, and that "all assets of the Air Force remain safe".
In response to the alleged attacks, Pakistan's Civil Aviation Authority announced the closure of its airspace from 3:15 am to 12:00 pm local time on May 10.
News agencies reported that multiple explosions were heard at Pakistani air bases and in Rawalpindi, the location of Pakistan's military headquarters. Witnesses also reported explosions in Peshawar.
The Indian military has not yet issued a statement directly addressing Pakistan's claims of missile and drone attacks on its airbases. However, reports indicate that blasts and air raid sirens were heard across Indian-administered Kashmir and India's Punjab state. The Indian military stated they were shooting down drones in 26 locations from Baramulla to Bhuj. These locations are along the International Border and the Line of Control. According to officials, drone attacks on installations including Srinagar airport and Awantipora air base were thwarted.
The recent events follow a period of escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. India launched missiles on Wednesday, claiming they targeted "terrorist camps" in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, which Pakistan retaliated against with artillery strikes. These clashes were preceded by a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22, which India blamed on Pakistan, a charge Pakistan denies.
Amid the rising tensions, misinformation and unconfirmed rumors of attacks have been circulating. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has criticized Pakistan's response, denouncing their denial of launching attacks across the border as "farcical".
The international community is closely watching the situation, with concerns mounting over the potential for further escalation.