India-Pakistan News: What We Know From Friday Overnight Developments So Far As Tensions Escalate

Tensions between India and Pakistan remained high for the third day on Friday following a series of cross-border strikes and retaliatory attacks.

Drone intrusions were reported on Friday night across all Indian border states, from Jammu and Kashmir to Gujarat. Indian armed forces responded using air defence systems to intercept the aerial threats. In Punjab’s Ferozepur district, three civilians were injured after a drone strike in a residential area.

Here's what we know so far from the overnight developments on Friday:

• Pakistan resumed ceasefire violations along the Line of Control in the Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir. Gunfire and explosions were reported overnight.

• Multiple explosions were heard in Jammu. Authorities enforced a blackout across the city. NDTV reported that sirens were also sounded in Srinagar.

• Explosions were reported in Samba district. ANI stated that Indian air defence systems intercepted Pakistani drones during the blackout.

• Blackouts were enforced in Srinagar and Udhampur districts of Jammu and Kashmir. Sirens were heard across both areas, ANI reported.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level security meeting at his residence on Friday. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and the chiefs of the armed forces were present.

• Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal held a review meeting in Mumbai on Friday. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways confirmed the session.

• Authorities enforced blackouts in multiple border regions. In Haryana, Panchkula district was affected. In Punjab, blackouts were implemented in Firozpur and Jalandhar. In Rajasthan, Jaisalmer was placed under blackout.

• Gujarat Chief Minister’s Office reported blackouts in all villages of Suigam and Vav talukas in Banaskantha district, villages in Santalpur taluka in Patan district, and the entire Kachchh district.

• The Airports Authority of India and other aviation bodies issued NOTAMs announcing the temporary closure of 32 airports in northern and western India. The suspension of civil flight operations began on May 9 and remains in place until 05:29 IST on May 15.

• Air Traffic Service routes in the Delhi and Mumbai Flight Information Regions have also been temporarily closed due to operational reasons.

• India raised concerns over the Pakistani military’s role in the country’s economy. A statement said that Pakistan’s army continues to influence economic policy despite the presence of a civilian government.

• The International Monetary Fund approved a $1 billion loan for Pakistan as part of its ongoing support programme.

Click here for our detailed coverage on Friday.