Explosions were reported in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, on Thursday night, May 8, 2025, as Pakistani forces launched a barrage of missiles and drones targeting military installations across northern India. The attacks prompted local officials to order a complete blackout in Jaisalmer and surrounding areas, including cities in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir. Eyewitnesses described hearing a "massive sound" followed by explosions that continued for about an hour.
As the situation escalated, air raid sirens sounded across the affected regions, including Pathankot, which is just 30 kilometers from the Pakistani border, and Chandigarh, located less than 250 kilometers from Delhi. Reports indicated that eight Pakistani missiles were fired at targets in Jammu and Kashmir alone, but all were intercepted by Indian air defense units.
In a dramatic turn of events, India reportedly shot down a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet during the hostilities. The aircraft, which had taken off from Pakistan's Sargodha airbase, was struck by an Indian surface-to-air missile near the base. Following the incident, a Pakistani pilot ejected from the jet and was captured by Indian security forces in Jaisalmer. The pilot's identity has yet to be disclosed.
These latest attacks by Pakistan came just a day after India launched Operation Sindoor, a series of precision strikes targeting terrorist camps across the border and in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation, which began early Wednesday morning, involved the deployment of 24 munitions, including HAMMER smart bombs and SCALP missiles, resulting in the deaths of over 100 terrorists, according to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
The backdrop to this military escalation includes a recent terror attack on April 22, 2025, in Pahalgam, where four terrorists from The Resistance Front, a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba, killed 26 individuals, many of whom were civilians. Following this incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to take decisive action against those responsible.
As the conflict intensified, Pakistani forces attempted to strike multiple high-value targets in India, including military installations in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan. Reports indicated that the Pakistani projectiles aimed for critical locations such as the Jammu airport and an army base in Udhampur. However, Indian air defense systems, including the Russian-made S-400, successfully neutralized the threats, preventing any damage.
In addition to the missile attacks, Indian defense sources reported that two Pakistani drones were shot down near Jammu University, while others were spotted in the Kutch region. The situation prompted blackouts across several areas, including Jammu, Punjab, and Rajasthan, as a precautionary measure.
In response to the escalating violence, the United States issued a stern warning to Pakistan. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for immediate de-escalation during a conversation with India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, emphasizing the need for restraint on both sides.
As the night unfolded, the Indian government remained on high alert. Blackouts were enforced in various regions, including Srinagar, Samba, Jammu, Akhnoor, Udhampur, and Kishtwar, as residents reported hearing loud explosions and sirens. The blackout was deemed necessary to protect civilian and military infrastructure from potential attacks.
Despite the ongoing conflict, there have been no confirmed reports of casualties or significant infrastructure damage on the Indian side as of Thursday night. Security forces continue to monitor the situation closely, while residents remain anxious amid the heightened tensions.
As the situation develops, the Indian government is expected to maintain a robust defense posture, ready to respond to any further provocations from Pakistan. The international community is watching closely, as the potential for escalation remains high in this volatile region.
In summary, the events of May 8, 2025, mark a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, highlighting the fragile security situation in the region. With both nations on high alert and the threat of further military action looming, the coming days will be critical in determining the trajectory of this conflict.
