INDIA said on Friday (9) it repelled multiple drone and artillery attacks launched by Pakistan overnight, as tensions continued following deadly cross-border violence this week. Islamabad denied launching any attacks, while both sides reported new casualties and damage.

"Pakistan Armed Forces launched multiple attacks using drones and other munitions along the entire Western border on the intervening night of 08 and 09 May," the Indian army said in a statement. "The drone attacks were effectively repulsed and a befitting reply was given."

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The escalation began after India carried out air strikes on Wednesday targeting what it described as "terrorist camps" in Pakistan. New Delhi said the action followed an attack on 22 April near Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir, which killed 26 people, most of them Hindu tourists. India has blamed the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, a UN-designated terrorist organisation, for the attack. Pakistan has denied involvement and called for an independent investigation.

In Indian-administered Kashmir, a police official reported that one woman was killed and two men were wounded in heavy shelling in Uri, about 100 kilometres from Srinagar.

Nearly 50 people have died on both sides since the Indian air strikes on Wednesday, according to officials. Most casualties have been reported in Pakistan, where at least 32 people, including 12 children, have been killed.

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Islamabad said on Thursday that its forces had shot down 29 Israeli-made Harop drones during attacks on cities including Rawalpindi. The city hosts Pakistan’s military headquarters and was also hosting a Pakistan Super League cricket match. The remaining matches of the tournament have now been moved to the United Arab Emirates.

India has closed 24 airports to civilian flights, including in cities such as Jodhpur, Ludhiana and Amritsar. Airlines including Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet have cancelled over 100 flights since Wednesday. Passengers have been advised to arrive Read More….