Thu May 08 13:16:12 UTC 2025: ## India and Pakistan Exchange Drone Strikes, Raising Fears of Wider Conflict

**ISLAMABAD/NEW DELHI** – A dramatic escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan unfolded overnight, involving cross-border drone attacks and claims of retaliatory strikes. Pakistan’s military announced that its air defense systems shot down 25 Indian drones over major cities, including Lahore and Karachi, resulting in one civilian death and five injuries. India’s Defence Ministry subsequently confirmed targeting Pakistani air defense radars, claiming to have neutralized a system in Lahore. They also alleged that Pakistan launched drone and missile attacks against Indian targets, which were intercepted.

The drone attacks followed deadly Indian missile strikes on Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir on Wednesday, killing at least 31 people – the most extensive Indian strikes on Pakistan outside of their four wars. This latest escalation began after gunmen, allegedly supported by Pakistan, killed 25 tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir on April 22nd. Pakistan denies involvement.

Pakistani army spokesman Lieutenant General Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry described the drone attacks as “naked aggression” and a “serious provocation,” vowing retaliation. India, while acknowledging responsibility for the drone strikes, framed its actions as a response to Pakistan’s alleged attacks.

The impacted areas in Pakistan included Lahore, Gujranwala, Chakwal, Rawalpindi, Attock, Nankana Sahib, Bahawalpur, Miano, Chor, and Karachi. India claimed Pakistani attacks targeted 15 locations within its territory, including Awantipora, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj.

The drones used by India are believed to be Israeli-made Harop loitering munitions, capable of long-range flights and self-destruction upon impact. Pakistan temporarily closed several airports due to the drone activity.

The exchange of strikes has heightened concerns among security experts about the potential for wider conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. The disputed region of Kashmir remains the central point of contention, with both countries claiming sovereignty over different parts. The situation underscores the deeply unstable relationship and the significant risk of further escalation.

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