Drone Intrusions Spark Further Escalation Along India-Pakistan Border as Indian Forces Retaliate

New Delhi, May 10, 2025: Tensions have sharply escalated along the India-Pakistan border following a second wave of drone intrusions last night by Pakistan and retaliatory military strikes by India in the wee hours of Saturday.

In a message on X, former Twitter, issued on Saturday morning , by the @SpokespersonMoD, Ministry of Defence confirmed the infiltration of drones at multiple sensitive locations along the International Border and the Line of Control (LoC), stating:
“Drones have been sighted at 26 locations along the International Border and LoC with Pakistan. These include suspected armed drones. The locations include Baramulla, Srinagar, Avantipora, Nagrota, Jammu, Ferozpur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Lalgarh Jatta, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bhuj, Kuarbet and Lakhi Nala.”

The situation took a grave turn when an armed drone reportedly struck a civilian zone in Ferozpur. “Regrettably, an armed drone targeted a civilian area in Ferozpur, resulting in injuries to members of a local family. The injured have been provided medical assistance and the area has been sanitised by security forces,” the defence ministry press release added.

New Delhi’s military response has been swift. The Ministry of Defence said the country’s armed forces remain in a state of high alert: “The Indian Armed Forces are maintaining a high state of alert, and all such aerial threats are being tracked and engaged using counter-drone systems. The situation is under close and constant watch & prompt action is being taken wherever necessary.”
The statement further advised civilians to adhere to safety protocols: “Citizens, especially in border areas, are advised to remain indoors, limit unnecessary movement, and strictly follow safety instructions issued by local authorities. While there is no need for panic, heightened vigilance and precaution are essential.”

Explosions Reported at Pakistani Air Bases
Meanwhile, across the border, multiple explosions were reported early Saturday at key Pakistani air installations, including the highly sensitive Nur Khan Air Base in Rawalpindi—located just outside Islamabad and adjacent to Pakistan’s military headquarters.
According to media reports, powerful blasts were heard across Nur Khan, Rafiqi Airbase in Shorkot, and Murid Airbase in Chakwal, Punjab province. The Associated Press, citing Pakistani military sources, said Indian missiles struck three air force facilities. Videos circulating on social media show a massive blaze at Nur Khan Air Base.

NDTV reported it could not independently verify the authenticity of the footage, but noted that Pakistan has since shut down its airspace to all civilian and commercial flights—an extraordinary measure typically reserved for high-level military emergencies. The Nur Khan facility, formerly Chaklala Air Base, is considered one of Pakistan’s most critical defence installations, hosting both air operations and VIP transport units.
India’s Military Response

In what appears to be a calibrated but forceful retaliation, Indian forces have struck military targets across the LoC and within Pakistani territory. Citing senior defence sources, Indian media reported that Indian missiles hit Pakistan’s Nur Khan Air Base, as well as army posts in Sialkot and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. Additional strikes targeted Rafiqi and Murid airbases—a significant signal of India’s intent to degrade Pakistan’s drone capabilities and military infrastructure.
As cross-border hostilities intensify, regional observers fear a prolonged standoff or even escalation into a wider conflict unless de-escalation mechanisms are urgently activated. Diplomatic backchannels if any to reduce the growing tensions between two countries remain unconfirmed. . For now, both countries appear locked into a dangerous military spiral triggered by a swarm of armed drones, and now propelled by airbase strikes.