Pakistan announced yesterday that it had shot down an Indian reconnaissance drone over the disputed Kashmir region, amid escalating military tensions between the two nuclear-armed countries.
Pakistan’s state radio reported that Pakistani air defenses shot down a quadcopter along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Bhimber border area, thwarting an attempt to violate Pakistani airspace.
This development comes days after an exchange of fire between Indian and Pakistani forces, raising concerns about an escalation of the conflict in one of the world’s most volatile regions.
Pakistan’s radio reported that Pakistani forces detected and shot down an Indian reconnaissance drone that had flown over the Bhimber area on the LoC in Kashmir. This comes just five days after an escalation in fighting that saw an exchange of fire between the two sides.
The Indian military also confirmed an exchange of fire, accusing Pakistani forces of opening fire with small arms on positions.
Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif stated that “an Indian military incursion is imminent.”
Tensions escalated after a deadly attack on April 22 in the Pahalgam area of Kashmir, which killed 26 tourists and injured 17 others.
The Kashmiri Resistance Movement claimed responsibility for the attack, while India blamed Pakistan-linked groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen.
In response to the attack, India announced escalatory measures, including suspending the Indus Treaty, closing land crossings, downgrading diplomatic relations with Pakistan, expelling defense advisors, and canceling visa facilitations for Pakistani citizens.
Pakistan denied any involvement in the Pahalgam attack, considering India’s actions merely a pretext for escalation. Islamabad also affirmed that it would “respond forcefully to any violation of its sovereignty.”
China, the influential regional power, called on both India and Pakistan to exercise “restraint” and work to “resolve differences through dialogue” to maintain peace and stability in the region.
