As tensions escalate between India and Pakistan, alarming reports of missile strikes and air defenses activated in Jammu have emerged, reflecting a significant deterioration in relations between the two nuclear powers.
On May 8, 2025, Indian cities near the Pakistan border were put on high alert, with residents hearing sirens and witnessing streaks of missiles in the night sky. This follows claims from India that Pakistan targeted three military bases in Kashmir, sparking a fierce exchange of accusations between the two nations.
According to the Indian defense authorities, the military installations in Jammu, including Jammu Pathankot and Udhampur, were attacked using drones and missile systems from Pakistan. “No losses. Threat neutralized by Indian Armed Forces as per SoP with kinetic & non-kinetic means,” stated the Integrated Defence Staff's social media account.
In response, Pakistan's information minister Attaullah Tarar declared that the country had not conducted any cross-border attacks, labeling Indian media reports as disinformation. He tweeted, "Indian media is always spreading disinformation... We have only given defensive response so far! International community may take note."
Despite these claims, reports of civilian casualties have surfaced. Pakistan's military announced that dozens of people were killed in Indian airstrikes on May 7, with Islamabad stating that 31 civilians died, while India reported 13 casualties from retaliatory strikes.
Eyewitness accounts from Jammu indicated a complete blackout, with locals describing loud explosions and missile interceptions. Mehbooba Mufti, a prominent Indian politician, expressed concern, stating, "Deeply disturbing reports are emerging from Jammu, where air strikes have reportedly hit certain areas." Videos circulating on social media showed bright streaks of light across the sky, corroborating these accounts.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, a Reuters journalist reported that missiles fired from Pakistan targeted several towns in the Jammu region, although Indian military sources claimed all eight missiles were intercepted.
As the situation unfolded, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reached out to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, emphasizing the need for de-escalation. Sharif noted the outrage among Pakistanis regarding India's airstrikes and affirmed Pakistan's right to self-defense.
In a dramatic turn of events, multiple blasts were reported late on May 8 in Jammu, with military sources suggesting a drone attack from Pakistan struck near Jammu Airport. This incident followed a series of accusations from both countries regarding drone strikes and missile attacks.
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri defended India's actions, stating, "Our intention has not been to escalate matters, we are responding only to the original escalation. Our response has been targeted, precise, controlled and measured." He denied claims that Indian strikes had affected critical infrastructure, warning that Pakistan would be responsible for any consequences of its provocative actions.
Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif responded to the escalating tensions by indicating that a retaliatory strike was becoming increasingly likely. "I will still refrain from saying it is 100%. But the situation has become very difficult. We have to respond," he said, signaling a potential for further military action.
The conflict has also affected civilian life, with India's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting ordering streaming platforms to remove Pakistani content, citing national security concerns. This move underscores the rising tensions and the broader impact on cultural exchanges between the two nations.
The airspace over both countries has seen significant disruptions, with commercial airlines canceling or rerouting flights due to the military actions. Reports indicated that 57 international flights were in Pakistani airspace as missiles were launched in their direction, raising concerns about the safety of air travel in the region.
In a related incident, Pakistan reported that it had intercepted 25 drones launched by India, resulting in one civilian death and several injuries among soldiers. This escalation has prompted the closure of three major airports in Pakistan, affecting thousands of travelers.
As the situation develops, both nations continue to exchange fire along the de facto border in Kashmir, marking one of the worst escalations in violence in two decades. The Indian army reported ongoing skirmishes with Pakistani forces, with small arms and artillery being utilized.
In the midst of this military conflict, social media platforms have become a battleground for misinformation, with viral posts claiming to show India's attacks on Pakistan. Fact-checking teams have noted that many of these videos are used out of context, further inflaming tensions between the two countries.
As the international community watches closely, the need for dialogue and peace remains critical. Both India and Pakistan must navigate this precarious situation with caution to avoid further loss of life and potential escalation into a larger conflict. The coming days will be pivotal in determining the trajectory of this ongoing crisis.
