Fri May 09 03:10:00 UTC 2025: ## India and Pakistan Exchange Cross-Border Strikes in Major Escalation

**NEW DELHI/ISLAMABAD** – A major escalation occurred overnight between India and Pakistan, resulting in a series of cross-border attacks and retaliatory strikes. On May 8th, Pakistan launched a wave of drone, missile, and artillery attacks targeting multiple Indian states, including Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.

Indian authorities reported intercepting at least eight missiles aimed at Jammu and Kashmir, activating its integrated air defense systems, including the S-400 Triumf and Barak 8 MRSAM, to neutralize the threat. While some reports suggest attempts to target Jammu airport, this remains unconfirmed. The attacks caused blackouts and prompted the closure of schools and colleges in affected areas. Similar attacks were reported in Punjab and Rajasthan, with all incursions successfully thwarted, according to Indian officials.

In response, India launched retaliatory strikes targeting multiple locations within Pakistan, including Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Khenju (Sind), Attock, Miano, Bahawalpur, and an area near Karachi. Sources claim the Indian military destroyed a Pakistani Air Force Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) and launched naval operations in the Arabian Sea targeting multiple Pakistani targets. Unconfirmed reports also suggest the downing of Pakistani F-16 and JF-17 fighter jets.

The escalating conflict led to the cancellation of an IPL 2025 cricket match. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged in talks with both Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, urging de-escalation. While Jaishankar affirmed India’s right to respond to cross-border terrorism, US Vice President JD Vance stated that the US would not intervene directly in the conflict between the two nuclear powers. The situation remains tense, with both countries on high alert.

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