In a dramatic escalation of tensions, India and Pakistan exchanged drone and missile strikes over the weekend, targeting each other’s military installations and civilian areas along the border and the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir.
India’s Wing Commander Vyomika Singh accused Pakistan of “continued provocations” by deploying unmanned combat aerial vehicles, long-range weapons, and fighter jets. “Pakistan military also resorted to air intrusions using drones and firing of heavy calibre weapons along the LoC,” Singh said during a media briefing on Saturday. “There were also several high-speed missile attacks noticed subsequently after 1:40 a.m. in the night at several air bases in Punjab.”
Admitting to retaliatory action, Singh confirmed that Indian forces carried out precision airstrikes on Pakistan Air Force bases. Debris from missiles, drones, and other munitions was reportedly recovered across Rajasthan, Punjab, Gujarat, and the Indian-controlled Kashmir.
Residents in Srinagar and Jammu described hearing loud explosions during the night and early morning hours. Similar reports emerged from other border regions, fueling anxiety among local populations. Authorities enforced widespread blackouts on Friday night in multiple cities near the border due to anticipated aerial attacks, leaving many without power throughout the night.
Tragically, overnight shelling claimed the lives of at least five people, including a senior government official and a toddler, according to local media reports. The latest casualties have raised the civilian death toll to 22, with over 50 others wounded in the Indian-controlled Kashmir. Numerous homes have also been damaged amidst the ongoing hostilities.
The current military standoff began after India conducted airstrikes on targets in Pakistan and the Pakistan-controlled Kashmir on Wednesday. New Delhi stated that these strikes were in response to last month’s attack in the Indian-controlled Kashmir, where 26 people were killed by gunmen. India has accused Pakistan of supporting the attackers, a charge that Islamabad has denied.
In response to the unfolding situation, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority announced on Saturday that the country’s airspace would remain closed for all flights until May 11 at noon. The decision affects both domestic and international flights, with airlines advised to adjust their schedules accordingly. “The situation is being closely monitored, and further updates will be issued as needed,” the authority said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Singh and the Indian Foreign Ministry have denied that Pakistani strikes caused any damage to military infrastructure in India. “Pakistan has also attempted to execute a continued malicious misinformation campaign, with claims of destruction of the Indian S-400 system at Adampur and other military stations being propagated on social media,” Singh asserted. “India unequivocally rejects these false claims being spread by Pakistan.”
The escalating conflict has raised international concerns, with fears that further military actions could destabilize the region. Observers are calling for both nations to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue to de-escalate the situation.
