Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, May 9: Cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan flared up again after a fresh wave of drone strikes was reported over Indian-administered Kashmir and Punjab on Friday night. Witnesses in Amritsar and Kashmir described explosions and intercepted drones lighting up the sky.
India accused Pakistan of launching 400 drones targeting cities, military bases, and religious sites, including a gurdwara where one civilian was injured. India responded with four drone strikes on Pakistani military targets.
Foreign secretary Vikram Misri condemned the attacks on religious sites, calling Pakistan’s denial “farcical.” Meanwhile, a Pakistani official hinted at further action, stating Thursday’s strikes were just to “heat things up.”
The latest exchange follows India’s missile strikes on nine sites in Pakistan, killing 31, in response to a militant attack in Kashmir that left 26 people dead. Pakistan vowed retaliation, calling India’s move an “act of war.”
Pakistan claimed to have used over 100 aircraft and Chinese-made weapons to shoot down five Indian jets, though India has yet to confirm. Debris of Indian planes, including a Rafale, was seen in Punjab and Kashmir.
The city of Jammu was among the worst hit. Residents described a terrifying night as drones and air raid sirens disrupted sleep.
Alongside the military exchanges, an information war is raging. India accused Pakistan of spreading fake news, while Indian media too has circulated unverified reports. India ordered social media platform X to block 8,000 accounts, including those of Pakistani leaders and Indian journalists.
As hostilities continue, both nations remain on high alert amid fears of further escalation.