Restrain OFF, Retaliation ON: Lahore, Sialkot, Islamabad Hit As India Responds to Pakistan’s Aggression – 10 Points
Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated sharply as Pakistan launched missile and drone attacks targeting Indian military and civilian sites. In response, India executed a precise counteroffensive, successfully neutralising threats, including shooting down a Pakistani F-16 jet. Here’s the latest update on India-Pakistan escalating tensions.
Pakistan reportedly lost five fighter jets, including an F-16, as India targeted strategic locations in Islamabad, Lahore, and Sialkot.
Pakistan on Thursday night escalated tensions by launching a barrage of missiles and drones targeting multiple civilian and military sites across India. In response, India, until now focused on precise and restrained retaliatory strikes, delivered a proportionate counteroffensive. Pakistan reportedly lost five fighter jets, including an F-16, as India targeted strategic locations in Islamabad, Lahore, and Sialkot. Earlier, on May 7, India had carried out precision strikes on nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, aiming to dismantle terror infrastructure across the border.
Rattled by India’s anti-terror operation, Pakistan went on an offensive on May 7-8, attempting to “engage a number of military targets” in multiple areas in northern and western India. India’s air defence systems shot these down, the ministry said.
On Thursday early morning, India gave a proportionate reply to Pakistan’s offensive as it hit Pakistan air defence systems, neutralising one at Lahore. Later in the evening, Pakistan once again provoked India by targeting Jammu and other parts of Northern India, leading to India launching an all round offensive.
Indian Navy also swung into action as it went for a retaliatory operations in the Arabian Sea against multiple targets in Pakistan. India neutralised Pakistan’s attempt to hit military stations in Jammu, Pathankot, Udhampur and some other locations with missiles and drones.
Top 10 Developments: India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate After Failed Drone & Missile Strikes
Tensions between India and Pakistan surged late Thursday night after Pakistan launched a wave of drone and missile attacks targeting key Indian military stations. India responded swiftly with defensive action and precision retaliation, including operations by the Indian Navy in the Arabian Sea.
1. Indian Navy Launches Retaliatory Operations
The Indian Navy has initiated targeted strikes in the Arabian Sea against multiple Pakistani threats following the unprovoked escalation. The operations are part of a coordinated military response.
2. Military Stations Targeted in Jammu, Pathankot, Udhampur
Pakistani-origin drones and missiles were used to target Indian military bases along the International Border. However, all threats were neutralised swiftly using kinetic and non-kinetic means. No casualties or material losses have been reported.
3. F-16 Fighter Jet Shot Down
Indian forces reportedly shot down a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet that took off from the Sargodha air base. The interception was carried out using an Indian surface-to-air missile system, sources said.
4. Blackouts Declared in Multiple States
Complete blackouts have been declared in border regions of Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab (including Chandigarh, Mohali, Ferozepur), Rajasthan, and Gujarat as a precautionary measure.
5. Pathankot Under Heavy Shelling
Strategically located Pathankot in Punjab came under heavy artillery fire from across the border. The city, a critical entry point toward Jammu, remains under high alert.
6. IPL Match Cancelled Amid Security Alert
The IPL match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamshala was abruptly cancelled. The HPCA stadium was evacuated and floodlights switched off following security alerts.
7. Heightened Airport and Flight Security
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has implemented strict measures across Indian airports, including secondary passenger screenings, increased deployment of air marshals, and enhanced vehicle checks.
8. India’s Response Precise, Non-Escalatory
Earlier in the day, both the Defence Ministry and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasised that India’s retaliatory actions are “measured and controlled,” targeting only non-civilian terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK.
9. Pakistan’s Failed Attempt to Hit 15 Cities
Earlier in the day, Pakistan attempted to strike multiple Indian cities including Srinagar, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, and Chandigarh. Indian defence systems intercepted and neutralised these threats.
10. US Calls for De-escalation
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged immediate de-escalation in a call with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. The US encouraged direct dialogue while backing India’s right to self-defence.
US Vice President JD Vance reacted to the developments in the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan, saying that we’re not going to get involved in the middle of war. ” Emphasising that the Trump administration, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, wants the situation to “deescalate as quickly as possible,” Vance said that the United States is nonetheless not in a position to ask either India or Pakistan to lay down their arms.
