09.05.2025 12:00
Tensions are rising following India's airstrikes on Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir on Wednesday. Throughout the night, the two nuclear powers clashed in the Kashmir and Azad Kashmir regions, resulting in casualties. The death toll has exceeded 50, and there were also civilian casualties during the clashes that occurred last night.
India launched missile strikes on May 6 against Pakistani territory and the Azad Kashmir region controlled by Pakistan, citing retaliation for the terrorist attack in the Pahalgam area on April 22 that killed 26 people.
The Indian army announced that it hit 9 targets it described as "terrorist organizations," while the Islamabad administration reported that 6 civilian locations were targeted in the attacks, resulting in 26 fatalities.
The Pakistan army stated that it shot down 5 fighter jets during the Indian attack, a claim that the New Delhi administration did not confirm. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, in a speech to the nation, stated that India would have to face the consequences of its attacks and that Pakistan would take revenge for those who lost their lives.
CLASHES OCCURRED LAST NIGHT
Tensions continue between the two nuclear powers, Pakistan and India. Local security officials reported that at least 5 civilians lost their lives in clashes that occurred last night along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Kashmir region.
In the Azad Kashmir region controlled by Pakistan, at least 4 civilians were reported killed and 12 injured, while in Jammu Kashmir administered by India, 1 person was killed and 2 others were injured.
PAKISTAN ANNOUNCED IT SHOT DOWN 48 DRONES IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Pakistan's state television PTV made a statement regarding the military operations against Indian drones. According to reports based on security sources, the Pakistan armed forces have shot down a total of 77 enemy drones so far.
PTV reported that 29 Indian drones were shot down on the evening of May 8, and an additional 48 drones were rendered ineffective in the last 24 hours. PTV stated that Pakistan has given a "proportional response" to India's attacks and announced that military operations are ongoing. While Pakistani officials did not share technical details about where and when the drones were shot down, they emphasized that defense operations against border violations would continue.
INDIA: WE WILL RESPOND VERY HARSHLY
Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar stated that there would be a "very harsh" response to Pakistan's military actions. Jaishankar claimed that the Pahalgam attack made it necessary for India to respond by targeting cross-border terrorist infrastructure.
According to The Hindu, Jaishankar met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi at the "20th India-Iran Joint Commission Meeting" held in New Delhi. After the meeting, Jaishankar noted that Araghchi's visit took place "at a time when India was responding to the Pahalgam terrorist attack."
Addressing the Islamabad administration, Jaishankar stated, "Our response was targeted and measured. We do not intend to escalate the situation. However, if there are military attacks against us from Pakistan, there will be a very harsh response, there should be no doubt about that."
US CHANGES TONE
US President Donald Trump, two days ago, called for calm among the parties following India's attacks, stating, "They retaliated, I hope they stop now. We are ready to mediate if necessary." US Vice President JD Vance, speaking to Fox News, said yesterday that the tension between India and Pakistan "does not concern the US." Vance emphasized that they are calling for both countries to remain calm, but that this conflict is not something the US can control.
Vance stated, "We are trying to calm the parties, but this is not an issue we will intervene directly." Highlighting the importance of diplomatic solutions, the Vice President said, "The US has no authority to order Pakistanis or any other country to lay down their arms."
Vance expressed hope that this tension does not escalate into a larger regional conflict or a nuclear crisis, adding that they do not currently believe such a scenario will occur.
BORDER CLASHES CONTINUE
The Indian army also claimed that Pakistan conducted attacks with drones, missiles, and various weapons along the border at night. Military officials stated that these attacks were "effectively thwarted."
In a statement on its official social media account, the Indian Army noted that the Pakistan Armed Forces carried out numerous operations along the western border. The statement indicated that drone attacks were repelled and responses were given to ceasefire violations.