Pakistan Downs 12 Indian Drones Amid Escalating Border Tensions
By Sofia, Senior International Correspondent
ISLAMABAD, May 8, 2025 — Pakistan’s military announced on Thursday that it had intercepted and destroyed 12 Indian drones that violated its airspace overnight, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The drones, identified as Israeli-made Harop loitering munitions, were reportedly launched across various regions of Pakistan, including major cities such as Lahore and Karachi.
According to Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), one of the drones managed to partially strike a military facility near Lahore, injuring four soldiers and causing damage to equipment. In a separate incident in Sindh province, debris from a downed drone resulted in the death of one civilian and injuries to another. The Guardian
“India has undertaken yet another act of blatant military aggression against Pakistan,” Lt. Gen. Chaudhry stated during a press briefing. He emphasized that Pakistan’s air defense systems remain on high alert to counter any further incursions.”
Current Situation
Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated sharply following India’s launch of “Operation Sindoor” on May 7, which involved missile strikes targeting what India described as terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. These strikes were in retaliation for an April 22 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 28 civilians, mostly Hindu tourists.
Retaliation to Indian Airstrikes
Pakistan has condemned the Indian strikes as violations of its sovereignty, reporting that 31 civilians were killed and 46 injured. In response, Pakistan claims to have shot down five Indian fighter jets, including three Rafales, though these claims have not been independently verified.
Cross-border shelling continues along the Line of Control (LoC), resulting in additional casualties on both sides. India reports 15 civilian deaths and 43 injuries due to Pakistani shelling, while Pakistan reports similar figures.
Other Countries Reactions
The international community has expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict. Iran’s Foreign Minister has offered to mediate between the two countries, urging both sides to exercise restraint. The United States, European Union, and China have also called for immediate de-escalation and the resumption of diplomatic dialogues.
The situation remains highly volatile, with both nations maintaining heightened military readiness. The risk of further escalation looms, and the international community continues to monitor developments closely, advocating for peaceful resolutions to prevent a broader conflict.
