India successfully repelled a barrage of drone and missile attacks launched by Pakistan late Friday night, with the Ministry of Defence confirming that the attempted strikes on critical infrastructure — including air bases and airports — were effectively neutralised. The assault, which targeted 26 locations across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, marked the second consecutive night of cross-border hostilities.

Missile Systems Activated in Srinagar, Heavy Engagement Ongoing

Amid ongoing military activity, surface-to-air missile systems were deployed in and around Srinagar to intercept incoming aerial threats. Sources on the ground described intense exchanges between Indian and Pakistani forces across multiple sectors.

India Hits Back, Inflicts Damage on Four Pakistani Airbases

In a powerful counter-response, Indian forces launched coordinated strikes on four significant Pakistani airbases — Noor Khan in Rawalpindi, Murid in Chakwal, and Rafiqui in Shorkot — causing severe damage to strategic assets, sources in the security establishment confirmed on Saturday.

Explosions in Pakistani Cities, Airspace Closed

Following India’s retaliatory actions, explosions were reported across Islamabad, Lahore, and other major Pakistani cities. Pakistan temporarily shut its airspace until 12 noon, leaving a Pakistan International Airlines flight, PIA218, circling over Quetta before being grounded.

Pakistani Missile Intercepted in Western Sector

One of the missiles launched by Pakistan toward a critical Indian installation was successfully intercepted and destroyed mid-air by India’s advanced Air Defence Systems (ADS) deployed in the western theatre. The Ministry of External Affairs is expected to release a full assessment of the developments later in the day.

Retaliation in Neelam Valley, Sialkot; Drone Launch Pads Destroyed

In response to the escalating drone attacks, India carried out fresh airstrikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir’s Neelam Valley and in Sialkot. Multiple Pakistani positions near Jammu, used to deploy tube-launched drones, were also destroyed by Indian forces.

India’s Air Defence Holds the Line

India’s multi-layered air defence network — comprising systems like the S-400, Akashteer, L-70, Zu-23, and Schilka — continues to provide robust protection, neutralising Pakistani drones and missiles with high efficiency.

Civilian Casualty and Ongoing Shelling in Naushera

At around 5 a.m., shelling resumed in the Naushera sector. Among the casualties was Additional District Development Commissioner of Rajouri, Raj Kumar Thappa, whose residence was struck by Pakistani fire. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed grief, calling the news "heartbreaking" and offering condolences.

Airports Shut Across North and West India

In light of the intensifying conflict, aviation authorities including the Airports Authority of India have announced the suspension of civil flight operations at 32 airports until May 14. Newly impacted facilities include Adampur, Ambala, Awanthipur, Naliya, and Uttarlai.

Backdrop of Tensions

The latest hostilities follow India’s targeted airstrikes on terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir earlier this week. These actions were launched in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, most of them tourists.Pakistan fires missile at strategic location, India retaliates, say sources