Topline
Officials in India on Thursday said they “neutralized” an attempt by Pakistan to launch drone strikes on Indian military targets, while the Pakistan military claimed it successfully shot down 25 drones launched by India since Wednesday night, as tension between the two nuclear-armed neighbors continued to spiral.
Remnants are being inspected after an alleged Indian drone strike on Karachi, Pakistan.
Key Facts
The Indian defense ministry claimed Pakistani drones and missiles were fired at “a number of military targets in Northern and Western India,” but were “effectively neutralized” by its air defense systems.
New Delhi said it retaliated against this attack by targeting “Air Defence Radars and systems in various locations in Pakistan.”
Indian officials claimed they have “reliably learnt” that an air defense system in Lahore has been “neutralized”—a claim Pakistani officials have not commented on yet.
The Pakistani military also issued a statement saying they had successfully shot down 25 Israeli-made drones launched by India since Wednesday night.
The Pakistani statement denounced the drone attack calling it “cowardly” and saying it was “clear evidence of India’s worry and panic.”
Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We’re launching text message alerts so you’ll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here.
How Have U.s. Officials Reacted To The Latest India-Pakistan Escalation?
It is unclear if the drone attacks are still ongoing, but the U.S. consulate general in Lahore issued an advisory on Thursday afternoon local time, restricting the movement of all staffers and directing them to “shelter-in-place,” citing reports of “drone explosions” and “airspace incursions” in and around the city. The consulate officials also noted they have “received initial reports that authorities may be evacuating some areas adjacent to Lahore’s main airport.” The advisory urged U.S. citizens in areas of active conflict to “leave if they can do so safely” or “shelter-in-place.”
This is a developing story.
