Thu May 08 19:00:00 UTC 2025: ## India Launches Massive Retaliatory Strikes Against Pakistan After Cross-Border Attacks
**New Delhi:** India has launched a large-scale retaliatory operation against Pakistan following a series of cross-border attacks. The response involved artillery shelling, the downing of a Pakistani aircraft, and drone strikes. One drone reportedly crashed near the residence of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The attacks have created widespread panic in Pakistan, with mounting international pressure and growing public anger directed at Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, whose whereabouts remain unknown. Speculation is rife about a potential change in army leadership and the possible release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan from prison.
The Indian response followed multiple attempts by Pakistan to attack military installations in Jammu, Pathankot, and other locations using drones and missiles on the night of May 8th. These attacks, which targeted 15 locations across northern and western India, were thwarted by Indian defenses. The escalating tensions raise concerns about the potential for wider conflict.
This latest escalation began after India conducted “Operation Sindhur” on Wednesday, carrying out precision missile strikes on nine terrorist bases in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan. Subsequently, Pakistani forces initiated shelling and drone attacks along the Line of Control (LOC) and International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan. India responded Thursday morning by targeting several Pakistani air defense systems, reportedly destroying one in Lahore.
The Indian Ministry of Defence has reiterated that any attack on Indian military installations will be met with a “proportionate response.” Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that Pakistan bears the responsibility for de-escalating tensions, asserting that Pakistan’s involvement in the Pulwama terrorist attack instigated the current crisis and that “Operation Sindhur” was solely a response.
Blackouts were imposed across several cities and towns in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan following reports of Pakistani drones. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that Pakistani drones and missiles targeted military bases in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur. Indian air defenses reportedly intercepted at least eight Pakistani missiles targeting strategically important locations, including the Satwari airbase in Jammu. Explosions were reported in Jammu city, followed by a power outage and sirens. Similar explosions and blackouts were reported in Jaisalmer, western Rajasthan.
US Senator Marco Rubio spoke with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, emphasizing the need for de-escalation and urging Pakistan to take concrete steps to end its support for terrorist groups.
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