Pakistan Downs Two Indian Drones as Kashmir Tensions Escalate

Pakistan's military announced on Tuesday the downing of two Indian surveillance drones that allegedly violated its airspace along the Line of Control in the disputed Kashmir region. The incidents occurred in the Manawar sector of Bhimber district and the Satwal sector of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

The Pakistan Army's Inter-Services Public Relations confirmed that both drones were conducting reconnaissance missions when they were intercepted and destroyed. The first drone was reportedly shot down in the morning, followed by the second later in the day.

These developments come amid heightened tensions following a deadly attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, where 26 Hindu tourists were killed. India has accused Pakistan-based militants of orchestrating the attack, a claim Islamabad denies, calling for a neutral investigation.

In response to the attack, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and revoked visas for Pakistani nationals. Pakistan, in turn, has closed its airspace to Indian airlines and expelled Indian diplomats.

Cross-border skirmishes have intensified, with both sides reporting exchanges of small arms fire along the LoC for several consecutive days.