Fri May 09 23:30:00 UTC 2025: ## India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate After Drone Attacks and Retaliation
**ISLAMABAD/NEW DELHI** – Tensions between India and Pakistan soared on Friday night after a series of events involving drone attacks and suspected retaliatory strikes. Pakistan reported drone attacks targeting 26 Indian cities across four states, although Indian defense systems reportedly thwarted these attacks. Simultaneously, several powerful explosions were heard in major Pakistani cities including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Lahore, with fires reported near the Nur Khan and Rafiqi airbases.
Unconfirmed reports suggest India launched retaliatory strikes late Friday night, resulting in explosions in three Pakistani cities. While the extent of damage and casualties is still being assessed, these events have caused widespread panic in affected areas. A video circulating online, purportedly showing damage in Lahore’s DHA Phase 6, is yet to be independently verified.
The explosions near the Nur Khan airbase in Rawalpindi are of particular concern, as this base houses Pakistan Air Force IL-78 aircraft capable of air-to-air refueling, and is considered crucial for Pakistan’s air defense capabilities. Flight tracking apps showed an IL-78 returning from Turkey earlier on Friday.
Adding to the escalating situation, Pakistan’s 15th Division, previously active in limited capacities between 2001 and 2019, has been reactivated for war deployment. Furthermore, Pakistan issued a NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions) closing its airspace to all civilian air traffic until midday Saturday, restricting airport use to military aircraft only. The situation remains highly volatile, and further updates are pending.
First Piper 