The Indian army says it has 'repulsed' multiple Pakistani drone attacks last night along its entire western border, after air raid sirens were heard in several Indian cities.
Blasts were reported in India's Jammu city during the third night of one of the worst military escalations between two nuclear-powered neighbours in decades.
Pakistan has denied carrying out the attacks. A minister told the BBC that the country was yet to hit back at India and would not deny its actions when it does so.
Heavy shelling across the de facto border in Kashmir continued for another night, with India accusing Pakistan of repeatedly violating a 2021 ceasefire. Yesterday, Pakistan said its shelling targeted Indian military facilities and that it had killed "40-50 soldiers" in retaliation for pre-dawn strikes by India on Wednesday morning.
Other countries have urged the two nuclear-armed neighbours to step back from a pattern of escalatory attacks, which began with a terror attack against mostly Hindu tourists last month that India blames on Pakistan. Islamabad has denied involvement.
Key Points
- Indian army says Pakistan attacked entire western border; Islamabad denies
- Vance says war between India and Pakistan 'none of our business'
- Two dozen airports in India shut
- India accused of censorship over India order to block thousands of accounts
- Pakistan claims to have killed dozens of Indian soldiers
- Indian minister says 100 militants killed in airstrikes on Pakistan
Air sirens sounded in India's Chandigarh
06:30 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarSirens were sounded in India's northern city of Chandigarh for nearly an hour this morning after officials said they received a warning of a possible attack.
"An air warning has been received from air force station of a possible attack," the Chandigarh Administration said in a post on X.
"All are advised to remain indoors and away from balconies."
Similar sirens were sounded and a blackout was enforced in Chandigarh yesterday evening following an alleged drone attack on cities along India's western border. Pakistan has denied carrying out the attack.
All schools and offices in Chandigarh have been shut on Friday and Saturday due to an "emergent situation", the local authorities said.
Misinformation floods Indian and Pakistani social media
06:28 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarA torrent of misinformation is flooding social media as escalating tensions between India and Pakistan raise fears of a major military conflict in South Asia.
Mislabelled videos, recycled images and fake public advisories are taking over the information landscape, leaving hundreds of millions of anxious observers in a lurch over what to believe.
Fact-checkers, government agencies and digital forensics experts have been working around the clock since the early hours of 7 May to debunk a deluge of viral content being posted in the wake of India’s missile strikes on Pakistan.
Stuti Mishra has more.
Misinformation floods Indian and Pakistani social media as officials keep quiet
India shoots down Pakistani F-16 – report
06:10 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarAn Indian surface-to-air missile defence system has shot down an F-16 jet that Pakistan used to attack India, NDTV reported citing unnamed defence sources.
The Independent could not verify the claim, which comes amid significant amounts of misinformation on both sides.
NDTV reported that the American-made fighter jet took off from Sargodha in Pakistan and was shot down near the airbase.
India previously claimed it shot down two Chinese-made fighter aircraft that Pakistan employed in aerial combat.
Pakistan has alleged it shot down five Indian jets, including a French-made Rafale. Neither side has confirmed losing any of its own jets.
In Pics: People inspect damages following overnight shelling
05:52 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Pakistan Super League moved to UAE
05:37 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe Pakistan Cricket Board has announced that all upcoming matches of the tenth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) will be relocated to the United Arab Emirates amid military escalations with India.
One of the matches that was supposed to take place in Rawalpindi was rescheduled after a drone hit near the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, according to reports.
A total of eight matches are left in the tournament, which was originally scheduled to conclude in Pakistan.
Two dozen airports in India shut
05:00 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarIndia's aviation authorities have shut down 24 airports for civil flight operations till 10 May amid military escalations with Pakistan.
The airports were shut in the states of Rajasthan, Punjab, Gujarat and the Indian-administered union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
List of the airports shut:
- Chandigarh
- Srinagar
- Amritsar
- Ludhiana
- Bhuntar
- Kishengarh
- Patiala
- Shimla
- Kangra-Gaggal
- Bathinda
- Jaisalmer
- Jodhpur
- Bikaner
- Halwara
- Pathankot
- Jammu
- Leh
- Mundra
- Jamnagar
- Hirasa
- Porbandar
- Keshod
- Kandla
- Bhuj
Vance says war between India and Pakistan 'none of our business'
04:39 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarVice president JD Vance said the US cannot control the nuclear-armed Asian neighbours and a war between them would be "none of our business".
"We want this thing to de-escalate as quickly as possible. We can't control these countries, though," Mr Vance told Fox News.
"What we can do is try to encourage these folks to de-escalate a little bit, but we're not going to get involved in the middle of war that's fundamentally none of our business and has nothing to do with America's ability to control it," he added.
Mr Vance's statement contradicted president Donald Trump's earlier offer of "help" to solve the crisis in Asia.
India is an important partner for Washington, which aims to counter China's rising influence, while Pakistan remains a US ally despite its diminished importance after Washington's withdrawal from neighboring Afghanistan in 2021.
Indian army says Pakistan attacked entire western border
04:18 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe Indian army this morning said Pakistan's military launched multiple attacks using drones and other munitions along its entire western border last night.
It also accused Pakistan of another night of heavy shelling along the de facto border in the Himalayan region, where a fragile ceasefire was agreed in 2021.
"The drone attacks were effectively repulsed and a befitting reply was given to the ceasefire violations," the army said in a statement.
Pakistan has strongly denied India's claims that it launched attacks targeting cities such as Jammu, Pathankot, Jaisalmer and Srinagar.
A minister told the BBC that the country was yet to hit back at India and would not deny its actions when it does so.
Islamabad said New Delhi's accusations were part of a "reckless propaganda campaign" designed to damage Pakistan’s image and stir up tensions in the region, Geo TV reported.
Pictured: The mostly deserted town of Uri
04:00 , Rebecca Whittaker
Frightened Kashmir residents living on cusp of India-Pakistan war
03:00 , Rebecca WhittakerKashmir Residents told The Independent they are terrified, as “it is the common people who will suffer” in the escalating conflict between India and Pakistan.
“There are queues for petrol and groceries. There’s no business and people have no money,” Srinagar shopkeeper Nazir Ahmad said.
Scared Kashmir residents live on cusp of India-Pakistan war: The Independent reports
Pictured: Displaced Kashmiri Muslims take shelter
02:15 , Rebecca WhittakerDisplaced Kashmiri Muslims, take shelter in a government degree college during a fresh skirmish near the Line of Control.
ICYMI: India and Pakistan blame each other for escalations
01:30 , Rebecca Whittaker- Two huge blasts and sirens were heard in Jammu city in Indian Kashmir on Thursday and there was a blackout across the city.
- India’s army Pakistan of firing missiles and drones at two military bases in Indian-administered Kashmir, and another in India's Punjab district.
- Pakistan’s defence minister denied Pakistan is responsible for any attack in Indian-administered Kashmir.
- Pakistan also said it shot down 25 Indian drones overnight, but Delhi did not comment.
Twins, 12, among those killed in Indian border town
Friday 9 May 2025 00:45 , Rebecca WhittakerClutching their father’s hand, 12-year-old twins Zain and Zoya tried to escape night-time shelling, part of the deadly crossfire that has erupted between India and Pakistan.
They were fleeing to safety after a loud blast shook their house in the Indian border town of Poonch. But they had barely stepped outside when another explosion tore through the street, killing them both.
“They came [into the world] together and they died together,” their uncle, Adil Pathan, told The Independent. “One of them took their last breaths in my arms.”
Read more by Shweta Sharma and Mohammad Dawood here:
Twins, 12, among those dead in Pakistani shelling in Poonch: ‘Paying with our blood’
Indian activists protest against Pakistan
Friday 9 May 2025 00:01 , Rebecca WhittakerActivists are pictured waving Indian national flags and display banners reading "Operation Sindoor" during a protest against Pakistan on Thursday.
Wave of misinformation in online videos
Thursday 8 May 2025 23:30 , Rebecca WhittakerUnrelated videos purporting to be from the strikes are gaining millions of views.
The wave of misinformation has been uncovered by the BBC Verify.
Clips that claim to show attacks on an Indian army base and an Indian fighter jet shot down in Pakistan, have been debunked by the broadcaster.
In one video shared to X claims to show an explosion caused by a Pakistani response, but it was actually from the 2020 Beirut Port explosion in Lebanon, it revealed.
In another case a video which amassed more than 3 million views on X in a matter of hours, claimed to show blasts caused by the Indian strikes on Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
However, a search for screengrabs from the video on Google revealed the footage actually showed Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip on 13 October 2023.
Pakistan’s information minister accuses India of 'spreading disinformation'
Thursday 8 May 2025 23:00 , Rebecca WhittakerPakistan’s information minister has rejected reports that Pakistan attacked Indian-administered Kashmir.
In a post on X Attaullah Tarar said: “Pakistan has not targeted any locations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir, or across international border, so far. Neither has any loss been incurred by PAF.”
He then went on to accuse India of spreading misinformation.
“Indian media is always spreading disinformation either to create to craft a (fake) notion of success before publicly accepting their embarrassing losses during their unprovoked aggression on night of 6/7 May 2025,” he said.
“We have only given defensive response so far! International community may take note.”
It comes after Pakistan’s defense minister Khawaja Asif said that Pakistan is not responsible for any attack in Indian-administered Kashmir in an interview with the BBC.
Pakistan has not targeted any locations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir, or across international border, so far. Neither has any loss been incurred by PAF.
— Attaullah Tarar (@TararAttaullah) May 8, 2025
Indian media is always spreading disinformation either to create to craft a (fake) notion of success before…
Indian Navy sources claim operations have begun
Thursday 8 May 2025 22:40 , Rebecca WhittakerIndian Navy sources have claimed targeted operations have begun in the Arabian Sea against multiple targets in Pakistan, New Delhi Television reported.
It comes after numerous explosions were heard on Thursday in the city of Jammu in Indian-administered Kashmir.
Blackouts were also enforced in several cities, including Chandigarh, Mohali and Srinagar.
The Ministry of Defence for the Government of India said on X: “Military stations at Jammu, Pathankot & Udhampur were targeted by Pakistani-origin #drones and missiles along the International Border in J&K today. The threats were swiftly neutralised using kinetic and non-kinetic capabilities in line with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). No casualties or material losses were reported.”
Military stations at Jammu, Pathankot & Udhampur were targeted by Pakistani-origin #drones and missiles along the International Border in J&K today.
— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) May 8, 2025
The threats were swiftly neutralised using kinetic and non-kinetic capabilities in line with established Standard Operating…
Pictured: Evacuated families in Jammu region
Thursday 8 May 2025 22:20 , Rebecca Whittaker
Nuclear-armed India and Pakistan are on brink of war – what happens now?
Thursday 8 May 2025 22:00 , Holly EvansAs the rest of the world urges calm, India and Pakistan are once again teetering on the edge of full-blown conflict amid their most serious military escalation in decades.
India said its air force struck nine sites inside Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir in a pre-dawn raid early on Wednesday, claiming its “Operation Sindoor” targeted terrorist camps and infrastructure. Pakistan says at least 31 people, including women and children, were killed, despite Indian officials insisting there were no civilian casualties.
Pakistan shot down several Indian aircraft during the strikes, at least three of which came down on the Indian side of the de facto border. The question now is whether that – as well as heavy shelling in Kashmir that Indian police say has killed at least 13 civilians – will be deemed enough of a response.
Read the full article here:
Nuclear-armed India and Pakistan are on brink of war – what happens now?
Footage of crashed fighter jets located
Thursday 8 May 2025 21:45 , Rebecca WhittakerPakistan’s military claimed it shot down five Indian Air Force jets, including three French-made Rafales, in a major escalation of cross-border hostilities potentially marking the first combat loss of the advanced aircraft.
Pakistan’s military spokesperson, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif, told reporters on Wednesday that the jets were targeted from within Pakistani airspace in retaliation for earlier Indian airstrikes.
But BBC Verify has now authenticated three videos all taken from what appears to be the same field and purport to show the wreckage of a French-manufactured Rafale fighter jet.
One clip is thought to be taken in a field near the city of Bathinda in India's Punjab state. It shows troops collecting debris from what experts suggest was the crashed jet.
Two further clips are also from the same location. One shows debris in the field, while another shows a projectile catching fire in the sky, and then fire in an open field, The BBC reported.
Justin Crump, a former British Army Officer, told BBC Verify the wreckage appears to be a French air-to-air missile of a type used on both Mirage 2000 and Rafale fighter jets. These are both used by the Indian Air Force.
The latest updates as India and Pakistan blame each other for escalations
Thursday 8 May 2025 21:30 , Rebecca Whittaker- Two huge blasts and sirens were heard in Jammu city in Indian Kashmir on Thursday and there was a blackout across the city.
- India’s army Pakistan of firing missiles and drones at two military bases in Indian-administered Kashmir, and another in India's Punjab district.
- Pakistan’s defence minister denied Pakistan is responsible for any attack in Indian-administered Kashmir.
- Pakistan also said it shot down 25 Indian drones overnight, but Delhi did not comment.
Travel update given amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions
Thursday 8 May 2025 21:15 , Rebecca WhittakerIndian airline Akasa Air has warned it’s customers to arrive three hours earlier, due to extra security measures.
It comes as 24 airports across the country have now closed for civil flight operations.
"#TravelUpdate: Due to enhanced security measures at all airports across India, we request you to reach the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure, to ensure a seamless check-in and boarding experience. Please ensure you carry valid government approved photo identification… pic.twitter.com/hzDt456jQw
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 8, 2025
India and Pakistan: A history scarred by bloody conflicts since 1947 partition
Thursday 8 May 2025 21:00 , Holly EvansIndia launched strikes on Pakistan and Pakistani Kashmir on Wednesday, an assault its neighbour called a "blatant act of war" as tension spirals between the nuclear-armed rivals after a deadly attack on tourists in Indian Kashmir last week.
India said its Operation Sindoor struck nine Pakistani sites on Wednesday that provided "terrorist infrastructure" and from which attacks against it were orchestrated. Its military spokesperson said the sites were completely destroyed.
Sindoor, which refers to the red vermilion powder worn by married Hindu women, is an apparent reference to the widows left by the 22 April attack that killed 26 men, most of them Hindu.
Read the full article here:
India and Pakistan: A history scarred by bloody conflicts since 1947 partition
Flights cancelled after missile strike on Pakistan
Thursday 8 May 2025 20:45 , Jane Dalton
Hundreds of flights cancelled across India after missile strike on Pakistan
Flares and flashes seen above Jammu
Thursday 8 May 2025 20:30 , Rebecca WhittakerBlasts rang out across the Indian city of Jammu late on Thursday during what the government said was a Pakistani drone and missile attack on military stations around the Kashmir region.
It comes on the second day of clashes between the nuclear-armed neighbours.
Sirens sounded and red flashes and projectiles erupted in the night sky above Jammu for more than two hours.
India's Ministry of Defence said on X: "Military stations at Jammu, Pathankot & Udhampur were targeted by Pakistani-origin drones and missiles along the international border in J&K today,"
"The threats were swiftly neutralised .... No casualties or material losses were reported."
Indian TV channels also showed flares and flashes in the sky above Jaisalmer city in Rajasthan state, which shares a border with the southern Pakistani province of Sindh.
Pictured: Blackout in city of Jammu
Thursday 8 May 2025 20:15 , Rebecca WhittakerA blackout is seen after residents of the city of Jammu reported hearing explosions and sirens in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir.
The 24 airports shut in India
Thursday 8 May 2025 19:51 , Rebecca WhittakerThe Civil Aviation Ministry informed that 24 airports are closed amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions.
Here is the full list, according to Hindustan Times:
- Chandigarh
- Srinagar
- Amritsar
- Ludhiana
- Bhuntar
- Kishengarh
- Patiala
- Shimla
- Kangra-Gaggal
- Bathinda
- Jaisalmer
- Jodhpur
- Bikaner
- Halwara
- Pathankot
- Jammu
- Leh
- Mundra
- Jamnagar
- Hirasa (Rajkot)
- Porbandar
- Keshod
- Kandla
- Bhuj
Pakistan denies attack on Indian-administered Kashmir
Thursday 8 May 2025 19:45 , Rebecca WhittakerPakistan’s defence minister, Khawaja Asif has denied Pakistan is responsible for any attack in Indian-administered Kashmir.
He told the BBC: “We deny it, we have not mounted anything so far.
“We will not strike and then deny,” Asif said.
“It will be known all over the world” when Pakistan decides to attack, he added.
How do India and Pakistan’s armies and nuclear arsenals compare to each other?
Thursday 8 May 2025 19:30 , Holly EvansThe dramatic flare-up of tensions and targeted cross-border strikes between India and Pakistan this week has raised the spectre of a first all-out war between the two nuclear-armed neighbours in decades.
The two countries have fought two wars since independence over the disputed region of Kashmir – and three in total – and the picturesque Himalayan valley is once again at the centre of their standoff. Already arguably the most highly militarised region in the world, with hundreds of thousands of troops and paramilitary forces deployed to maintain security in Indian-administered Kashmir at the best of times.
But taken together, the Indian and Pakistani militaries boast a total of around 2 million armed forces personnel. It means an all-out conflict would be one of the largest by number of combatants since the end of the Second World War.
Here’s how the two militaries compare against each other:
Read the full article here:
How do India and Pakistan’s armies and nuclear arsenals compare to each other?
X seeks to fight 'censorship' orders in law
Thursday 8 May 2025 19:08Social-media platform X – Twitter – says it is looking into how it can challenge in law orders by India’s government to block more than 8,000 accounts in the country.
It said it was barred from publishing the executive orders it received from New Delhi but encouraged other people to challenge the orders - which it has branded ‘censorship’ - in court.
“This is not an easy decision, however [sic] keeping the platform accessible in India is vital to Indians’ ability to access information,” X posted.
“We believe that making these executive orders public is essential for transparency – lack of disclosure discourages accountability and can contribute to arbitrary decision making.
“However, due to legal restrictions, we are unable to publish the executive orders at this time.
“X is exploring all possible legal avenues available to the company.
“Unlike users located in India, X is restricted by Indian law in its ability to bring legal challenges against these executive orders.
“However, we encourage all users who are impacted by these blocking orders to seek appropriate relief from the courts.”
India accused of censorship over India order to block thousands of X accounts
Thursday 8 May 2025 18:51 , Jane DaltonSocial media platform X – Twitter – says it disagrees with the Indian government’s demands to block more than 8,000 accounts in India, branding the move “censorship”.
The platform revealed it had received executive orders from the Indian government, and said it would withhold the specified accounts in India alone.
“In most cases, the Indian government has not specified which posts from an account have violated India's local laws,” X posted on its Global Government Affairs account.
“For a significant number of accounts, we did not receive any evidence or justification to block the accounts.
“To comply with the orders, we will withhold the specified accounts in India alone. We have begun that process.
“However, we disagree with the Indian government’s demands. Blocking entire accounts is not only unnecessary, it amounts to censorship of existing and future content, and is contrary to the fundamental right of free speech.”
X has received executive orders from the Indian government requiring X to block over 8,000 accounts in India, subject to potential penalties including significant fines and imprisonment of the company’s local employees. The orders include demands to block access in India to…
— Global Government Affairs (@GlobalAffairs) May 8, 2025
Pakistan targets Indian military stations, says India
Thursday 8 May 2025 18:42 , Jane DaltonThe Indian government says military stations at Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur were targeted by Pakistani-origin drones and missiles along the international border in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
“The threats were swiftly neutralised,” the ministry of defence said.
Punjab schools and universities close
Thursday 8 May 2025 18:38 , Jane DaltonSchools, colleges and universities in Punjab have been closed for the next three days.
Education minister Harjot Singh Bains said he made the decision “in view of the evolving situation”.
Pakistani pilot in custody – report
Thursday 8 May 2025 18:32 , Jane DaltonA Pakistani pilot is in Indian custody, it’s been reported.
The pilot was apprehended in Jaisalmer, according to a reporter, Barkha Dutt.
The report has not been confirmed.
Breaking @themojostory - a Pakistani pilot is in Indian custody - more details awaited / this as india thwarts multiple missile and drone attacks by Pakistan on Jammu, Pathankot, Udhampur, srinagar, RS Pura, Jaisalmer - all attempts foiled -
— barkha dutt (@BDUTT) May 8, 2025
Is it safe to travel to India or Pakistan? Latest advice after fighting breaks out
Thursday 8 May 2025 18:30 , Holly EvansThe conflict between India and Pakistan has significantly impacted flight operations and aviation across the world, as airlines suspend operations, aircraft make large diversions and long-haul journeys are delayed.
On the night of Tuesday, 6 May, the Indian Ministry of Defence stated it had struck nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. They were targeting what is described as nine militant hideouts in retaliation for a terror attack that killed 25 Indians and one Nepali national in April.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said India must “suffer the consequences” for its “cowardly” attack and vowed to avenge the deaths of 31 people killed in India's cross-border missile strikes.
Read the full article here for all the latest travel advice:
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Indian government orders X to block over 8,000 accounts
Thursday 8 May 2025 18:27 , Jane DaltonThe Indian government has ordered social media platform X – Twitter – to block more than 8,000 accounts.
The platform’s Global Government Affairs team revealed the order, which it said included demands to block access in India to accounts belonging to international news organisations and prominent X users.
X said it was subject to “potential penalties including significant fines and imprisonment of the company’s local employees”.
Watch: Frightened Kashmir residents living on cusp of war
Thursday 8 May 2025 18:16 , Jane DaltonExclusive: Kashmir residents have told The Independent they are terrified:
Scared Kashmir residents live on cusp of India-Pakistan war: The Independent reports
In pictures: Indian Premier League cricket match abandoned due to technical failure
Thursday 8 May 2025 18:10 , Holly Evans
Protesters against potential India Pakistan war to gather in London this weekend
Thursday 8 May 2025 17:56 , Holly EvansDemonstrators will gather in central London this weekend to protest against a potential war between India and Pakistan.
It comes after violent clashes between the two countries after gunmen killed 26 people, mostly Hindu tourists, in India-controlled Kashmir last month.
India has accused Pakistan of being behind the assault, but Islamabad denies that.
The South Asia Solidarity Group (SASG) announced an “emergency peace demonstration” will take place in Parliament Square on Saturday.
No To #IndiaPakistan War! Stand Together for Peace! London friends, come to Parliament Square this Saturday, 10 May at 3pm for an emergency demonstration. We must not allow our communities to be divided by the hatemongers and warmongers! pic.twitter.com/TtYVTgtjtv
— SouthAsia Solidarity (@SAsiaSolidarity) May 8, 2025
SASG said on X: “No To #IndiaPakistan War! Stand Together for Peace!
“London friends, come to Parliament Square this Saturday, 10 May at 3pm for an emergency demonstration.
“We must not allow our communities to be divided by the hatemongers and warmongers!”
A Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) spokesperson said in response to the protest announcement: “Now more than ever, it’s vital that communities come together to build bridges, not barriers, and work towards a just and lasting peace in the region.”
The Metropolitan Police said they would be engaging with organisers and would deploy officers if necessary.
Rubio urges de-escalation in calls with Indian foreign minister and Pakistan PM Sharif
Thursday 8 May 2025 17:21 , Holly EvansSecretary of State Marco Rubio urged de-escalation and expressed support for direct dialogue in separate calls with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday, U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in readouts of the calls.
Rubio reaffirmed to Jaishankar his commitment to work with India in the fight against terrorism, and expressed sorrow to Sharif for the reported loss of civilian lives in the current conflict between the two neighbouring countries, while also urging Pakistan to take steps to end support for terrorist groups, according to the readouts.
'Army installations under attack' in five areas of Jammu region
Thursday 8 May 2025 17:07 , Holly EvansSeveral parts of Jammu and the surrounding towns of Akhnoor, Samba and Kathua came under attack, said an Indian official who asked not to be named.
“Our army installations are under attack, it is happening in five districts of Jammu (region),” a security official told Reuters.
There was no immediate comment from Pakistan on what appeared to be an escalation in the countries' worst confrontation in more than two decades.
Pakistan’s defence minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, had earlier said further retaliation was “increasingly certain” after both countries accused each other of launching drone attacks.
Explosions heard at Jammu airport as blackouts affect other cities
Thursday 8 May 2025 16:56 , Holly EvansBlackouts are also affecting the cities of Hoshiarpur and Amritsar in the Punjab state, the Hindustan Times reports, while footage circulating on social media shows widespread blackouts in the city of Jammu.
Indian army sources have told the BBC that the defence system in Jammu has been activated, while eyewitnesses have reported that explosions have been heard at the airport.
Local news reports suspected drones flying over city of Jammu
Thursday 8 May 2025 16:46 , Holly EvansResidents in Indian-controlled Kashmir said they heard explosions and sirens in the city of Jammu, as tensions sour with neighboring Pakistan.
Local news channels reported suspected drones flying overhead in the city.
Shesh Paul Vaid, the region's former director-general of police and a resident of Jammu, said the city was witnessing complete blackout after loud explosions.
"Bombing, shelling, or missile strikes suspected," he wrote on social media. Indian authorities did not immediately comment.
Complete blackout in Jammu. Loud explosions—bombing, shelling, or missile strikes suspected. Fret not—Mata Vaishno Devi is with us, and so are the valiant Indian Armed Forces.
— Shesh Paul Vaid (@spvaid) May 8, 2025
Pakistan's Chinese-made jet brought down two Indian fighter aircraft, US officials say
Thursday 8 May 2025 16:33 , Holly EvansA top Chinese-made Pakistani fighter shot down at least two Indian military aircraft on Wednesday, two U.S. officials told Reuters, marking a major milestone for Beijing's advanced fighter jet.
One U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said there was high confidence that Pakistan had used the Chinese-made J-10 aircraft to launch air-to-air missiles against Indian fighter jets - bringing down at least two.
Another official said at least one Indian jet that was shot down was a French-made Rafale fighter aircraft.
Delhi has not acknowledged the loss of any of its planes and instead said it carried out successful strikes against what it said was "terrorist" infrastructure inside Pakistan.
In France, Rafale manufacturer Dassault Aviation and the MBDA consortium, which makes the Meteor air-to-air missile, could not immediately be reached for comment on a public holiday.
Eyewitnesses report blackouts and blasts in overnight attack
Thursday 8 May 2025 16:25 , Holly EvansVideos and pictures on social media appear to show blackouts in the city of Jammu, with air raid sirens sounding as Pakistani drones appear to target the airport.
The Independent has not verified the authenticity of the videos independently.
#BREAKING: Jammu at present is under attack. Drones across the night sky. Blackout has happened across the city. Indian forces neutralising the threat. pic.twitter.com/lvUxq5Opgv
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) May 8, 2025
Jammu under attack by Pakistani drones
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) May 8, 2025
-Air Raid Sirens on
-Interception activated
-Blackouts
-Airport appears to be the target pic.twitter.com/1aD3VWSUsp
