Renewed Drone Strikes Between India and Pakistan
Pakistan has been accused of initiating a new series of drone strikes against India, particularly impacting the regions of Indian-administered Kashmir and Punjab on Friday night. Reports indicated explosions in parts of Kashmir, and observers noted the bright flashes from intercepted drones over Amritsar in Punjab, describing the intensity of the strikes as heavier than those witnessed the previous night.
Escalating Tensions
Earlier that day, India alleged that Pakistan launched an assault using approximately 400 drones targeting cities, military installations, and places of worship across northern India. This came as the Pakistani military declared it would not seek to de-escalate tensions with India, intensifying the ongoing standoff.
Claims of Interception and Retaliation
India claimed to have intercepted numerous drones that entered its airspace from Pakistan, affecting areas including Kashmir, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Gujarat. The Indian military reported multiple waves of drone strikes, with ongoing operations into the early hours of Friday. Additionally, India disclosed it had conducted four drone strikes targeting Pakistani military infrastructure.
Attacks on Places of Worship
In a press briefing, Indian military officials accused Pakistan of targeting a gurdwara, a Sikh place of worship, and claimed other drones also aimed at Christian churches, injuring civilians. India’s foreign secretary characterized Pakistan’s actions as a significant moral low.
Pakistan’s Denial and Future Threats
Pakistan’s information minister dismissed the drone strike allegations as “baseless,” insisting that no offensive actions had occurred beyond its borders. However, a Pakistani security official suggested that the earlier strikes were a preparatory measure for a more substantial retaliatory attack.
Consequences of Recent Strikes
The ongoing exchange of aggressive accusations marks another troubling episode in the relationship between India and Pakistan, both nuclear nations. Following missile strikes by India that resulted in numerous casualties in Pakistan, both countries remain on heightened alert, with regions like Jammu experiencing unprecedented aerial attacks.
Misinformation and Media Warfare
Amid escalating aggression and allegations, an information war has emerged on both sides. India accused Pakistan of disseminating exaggerated claims and dangerous disinformation, while also witnessing its own media flooded with false reports. As part of an effort to combat misinformation, India requested social media platform X to block over 8,000 accounts, including those belonging to Pakistani figures and independent news organizations.
