Pakistan says it shot down 12 Indian drones amid fears of growing conflict
3 minute readPublished: Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 9:09 am
Pakistan Shoots Down Indian Drones Amidst Escalating Tensions
Tensions between Pakistan and India are soaring, with a recent escalation raising fears of a wider conflict. Pakistan's air defense system reportedly shot down a dozen Indian drones overnight, including one that attacked a military target near Lahore, injuring four soldiers. This follows Indian missile strikes on Pakistani locations that killed 31 civilians the previous day.
The situation has been brewing since an attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir on April 22nd, where gunmen killed 26 people, mostly Indian Hindu tourists. India has accused Pakistan of supporting the militants, a claim Pakistan denies.
The Pakistani military confirmed the drone incidents, with debris from a downed drone in Sindh province killing one civilian and injuring another. While the incidents are unverified, the Pakistani Prime Minister has vowed retaliation for the recent killings.
Across the Line of Control in Indian-controlled Kashmir, thousands of people are seeking shelter, and Indian authorities have evacuated civilians from villages near the border. India's foreign ministry reported 13 civilian deaths and 59 injuries from cross-border fire the previous day.
Adding to the complexity, the Iranian foreign minister is currently in India, having previously visited Pakistan, offering to mediate between the two nations.
BNN's Perspective: The situation is deeply concerning. While both sides have legitimate grievances, escalating military actions and civilian casualties are unacceptable. De-escalation and diplomatic solutions are crucial to prevent a devastating conflict. International pressure and mediation efforts are vital to bring these nuclear-armed neighbors back to the negotiating table.
Keywords: Pakistan, India, drones, air defense, Lahore, Kashmir, conflict, missile strikes, civilians, Line of Control, military, tensions, Iranian foreign minister, mediation, retaliation, border, casualties, Indian army, Pakistan army, Punjab, Shehbaz Sharif.