Fri May 09 17:10:00 UTC 2025: ## India Retaliates After Pakistan Drone Attacks; Airspace Closed

**New Delhi/Islamabad –** Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated sharply after a series of drone attacks on Indian cities. India responded with missile strikes on three Pakistani airbases early Saturday morning, sparking a further closure of Pakistan’s airspace.

On Friday, Pakistan launched a wave of drone attacks targeting 26 locations across India, ranging from Jammu and Kashmir to Gujarat. While the Indian defense ministry claimed most attacks were thwarted, some individuals were injured in Firozpur, Punjab. A blackout was imposed across states bordering Pakistan.

In retaliation, the Indian military launched missile strikes on the Nur Khan, Murid, and Shorkot airbases in Pakistan. Pakistan’s military spokesperson, Lieutenant General Ahmad Sharif, confirmed the attacks, stating that most missiles were intercepted and no damage was inflicted on the Pakistan Air Force. However, Pakistani media reported explosions in Islamabad, Lahore, Shorkot, Jhang, and Rawalpindi, with reports specifically focusing on explosions near the Rafiqui airbase in Shorkot.

Following the retaliatory strikes, Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority closed its airspace to all flights from 3:15 AM to 12:00 PM on Saturday. This closure is a precautionary measure to address potential aerial threats. This marks the third consecutive day of heightened tensions and military actions between the two countries, following similar drone attacks and retaliatory measures on Thursday and Friday. The situation remains volatile.

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