New Delhi, May 9, 2025 — Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated sharply late Thursday night as Indian air defense systems intercepted multiple Pakistani drones and missiles targeting military installations in Jammu and Kashmir. The attacks prompted air raid sirens and widespread blackouts in border areas, including Jammu and Kupwara.
According to NDTV, sirens were heard in Kupwara and Jammu, followed by complete blackouts. The Indian Air Force successfully intercepted several Pakistani missiles aimed at military bases in Jammu and Pathankot. Residents reported loud explosions and streaks of light across the sky, indicating active engagement of air defense systems. Cellphone videos sent by locals showed lights across the sky, indicating interception by drones. www.ndtv.comwww.ndtv.comwww.ndtv.com
In Jammu, multiple locations, including the airstrip, were targeted with rockets from across the International Border. The Indian defense system blocked eight missiles, preventing significant damage. However, the city experienced power outages and mobile network disruptions, causing panic among residents. News ArenaLatest news & breaking headlines
The attacks come in the wake of India’s recent ‘Operation Sindoor,’ a series of precision strikes targeting terrorist infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. India launched the operation in response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including 25 Indian tourists and one Nepalese national. The attack was attributed to Pakistan-based militant group The Resistance Front (TRF).
Pakistan has denied involvement in the recent drone and missile attacks, labeling India’s claims as fabricated. However, the escalation has raised concerns about the potential for a broader conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The Guardian
International leaders, including those from the United States, United Kingdom, China, and Russia, have called for restraint and diplomatic resolution. Analysts note that both India and Pakistan have historically engaged in tit-for-tat exchanges followed by de-escalation, but the current situation’s volatility underscores the ongoing risks in the region.
Domestically, India has heightened security measures, placing airports on alert and implementing blackouts in several cities amid fears of further attacks. The Indian government reiterated its commitment to non-escalation, provided it is respected by the Pakistani military, and emphasized that any military attack on India would receive a firm response.
As of now, the path to de-escalation remains uncertain, with both nations maintaining hardened postures. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, urging both sides to prioritize diplomatic engagement over military confrontation.