India launched airstrikes on three Pakistani airbases overnight. The targets included Nur Khan in Rawalpindi, Murid in Chakwal, and Rafiqui in Jhang. Earlier, Indian authorities reported drone sightings at 26 locations across multiple states. As a result, Indian forces tracked and destroyed them.

Shortly after the strikes, Pakistan confirmed the attacks. During a press briefing on Saturday morning, Lt Gen Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry acknowledged the strikes.

Consequently, military retaliation from Pakistan is expected.

India Responds Swiftly to Drone Strikes

On Friday night, India reacted strongly after Pakistani drones hit several places. The drones targeted areas in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. In one such strike, three civilians suffered injuries in Ferozepur, Punjab.

By Saturday morning, several cities in Jammu and Kashmir experienced heavy shelling. Explosions echoed across Srinagar, Jammu, Rajouri, and nearby towns.

Key Developments So Far

• India struck Nur Khan, Murid, and Rafiqui airbases in Pakistan during the night.

• Pakistan’s military spokesperson confirmed these strikes early Saturday.

• In response to the conflict, Pakistan shut down its airspace from 3:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. on May 10, 2025.

G7 Urges Restraint and Dialogue

Meanwhile, the G7 nations called for calm. They urged both India and Pakistan to avoid more violence and start direct talks. Additionally, they condemned the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, mostly tourists. “We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union, strongly condemn the egregious terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22 and urge maximum restraint from both India and Pakistan. Further military escalation poses a serious threat to regional stability. We are deeply concerned for the safety of civilians on both sides,” the statement read.

Shelling Kills Senior Official in Jammu and Kashmir

Soon after Pakistan began shelling early Saturday, a house in Rajouri was hit. This killed Raj Kumar Thappa, the Additional District Development Commissioner. Just a day earlier, he had toured the district with the deputy CM and joined a virtual meeting with the chief minister.

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed sorrow over Thappa’s death. He also responded to global calls for peace. On X, he wrote, “I’m not sure how the ‘International Community’ thinks the current tension in the subcontinent will be de-escalated when the IMF essentially reimburses Pakistan for all the ordnance it is using to devastate Poonch, Rajouri, Uri, Tangdhar & so many other places.”

India Intercepts Missile in Haryana

Later on Friday night, Indian air defense intercepted a missile over Sirsa in Haryana. Debris landed in Khaja Khera village, which lies just 2 km from the district center. Although reports suggest the missile may have targeted Delhi, officials have not confirmed this.

Flight Operations Suspended in 32 Airports

Due to the rising conflict, Indian authorities suspended operations at 32 airports. These include airports in the northern and western regions. The Ministry of Civil Aviation announced the suspension would continue until May 15.

Indian Army Destroys Armed Drones

At around 5 a.m. on Saturday, Indian troops spotted enemy drones over Khasa Cantonment in Amritsar. They acted immediately. As a result, air defense units shot down all hostile drones.