Pakistan Claims to Down 25 Indian Drones

 

Drone Warfare Over the Border

Pakistan announced it had shot down 25 Indian drones overnight, marking a dramatic intensification of hostilities. The Indian government has not yet confirmed or denied the claim but has accused Pakistan of sending drones and missiles across the border in a provocative escalation.

India's Response and Allegations

India stated that Pakistani actions aimed to "engage a number of military targets" within its territory. New Delhi emphasized that its initial missile response followed a deadly attack on Indian tourists in Pahalgam last month, for which it blames Pakistan-backed militants. Islamabad, however, categorically denies any involvement in the incident.

 Civilian Toll Mounts on Both Sides

As cross-border violence flares, the human cost is rising rapidly. Pakistan reports 31 deaths and 57 injuries due to Indian airstrikes and firing along the Line of Control (LoC) since Wednesday. Meanwhile, India claims that 16 of its civilians have been killed by Pakistani shelling on its side of the LoC.

 The Kashmir Flashpoint

This latest surge in violence revives attention on Kashmir, a region divided between the two nations but claimed in full by both. The territory has witnessed a decades-long insurgency that has left thousands dead, and remains a volatile flashpoint in South Asia.