India conducted overnight retaliatory strikes from Friday to Saturday, marking the second consecutive round of such operations, neutralising a wave of missile and drone attacks launched by Pakistan targeting 26 locations, ranging from Jammu and Kashmir to Gujarat.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that attempts by the adversary to hit vital installations, including airports and air bases, were successfully thwarted.
According to reports, intense engagement continues between Indian and Pakistani forces over Srinagar and its adjoining areas.
In response to the escalating situation, Indian forces have activated surface-to-air missile systems in the region to counter potential aerial threats.
KEY DEVELOPMENTS OVERNIGHT
India reportedly struck four key Pakistani airbases overnight, inflicting heavy damage on military installations and assets. According to government sources, the targeted airbases include Noor Khan in Rawalpindi, Murid in Chakwal, and Rafiqui in Shorkot.
Pakistan has closed its airspace until 12 noon today. Government sources revealed that PIA218, a Pakistan International Airlines flight bound for Peshawar, was the last airborne aircraft in Pakistani airspace and was forced to hover over Quetta. Explosions were reported in Islamabad and major cities, including Lahore.
A long-range missile launched by Pakistan targeting Indian positions was intercepted and destroyed by Indian Air Defence Systems (ADS) in the Western Sector, government sources said. A detailed battle assessment is expected following the Ministry of External Affairs briefing later today.
Following multiple drone attacks from Pakistan across the border, India launched retaliatory strikes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir’s Neelam Valley and Sialkot.
The Indian Army reportedly destroyed multiple Pakistani posts and terrorist launch pads near the Jammu region that were being used to launch tube-launched drones into Indian territory.
India’s superior air defence systems — including S-400, Akashteer, L-70, Zu-23, and Schilka — continue to dominate the skies, effectively countering Pakistani drone intrusions.
Shelling was reported in Naushera at around 5 am, with loud explosions and heavy artillery fire continuing in the region. Defence sources confirm that intense engagement is ongoing with Pakistani forces over Srinagar and adjoining areas. Surface-to-air missile systems remain active in the region.
Additional District Development Commissioner of Rajouri, Raj Kumar Thappa, was killed after his residence was hit by Pakistani shelling. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep shock over the loss, stating, “Thappa had accompanied me just a day earlier and had also attended an online meeting chaired by me. I have no words to express my sadness and offer prayers for his soul.”
The Airports Authority of India (AAI), along with other aviation authorities, has issued Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) announcing the temporary closure of 32 airports across northern and western India for all civil flight operations. The suspension is effective from May 9 to 14. Newly added to the closure list are Adampur, Ambala, Awanthipur, Naliya, and Uttarlai, defence sources confirmed.
Tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours have escalated sharply following Indian precision strikes targeting terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Wednesday.
The strikes were in response to the 22 April attack by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which left 28 people, mostly tourists, dead.
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