May 8, 2025
Breaking: Blasts Heard and Blackout Reported in Jammu City
Tensions between Pakistan and India have reached alarming levels as reports emerge of significant incidents in Jammu city. According to Reuters, two huge blasts and sirens were heard in Jammu on Thursday, May 8, 2025, accompanied by a widespread blackout across the city. This comes amid the ongoing military standoff between the two nuclear-armed neighbors following weeks of escalating hostilities. Reuters
The blackout situation began late Wednesday night, with residents experiencing a major power outage across Jammu. Local authorities have established emergency control rooms in 10 districts but have yet to confirm the exact cause of the power failure. Officials are urging citizens to remain calm and avoid spreading misinformation as rumors circulate on social media platforms. The North Lines
Operation Sindoor: India’s Strikes on Pakistan
The current crisis stems from India’s “Operation Sindoor,” launched on May 7, 2025, where India conducted missile strikes against what it described as “terrorist infrastructure” in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The 23-minute operation reportedly targeted locations including Bahawalpur, Muridke, Gulpur, Bhimber, Chak Amru, Bagh, Kotli, Sialkot, and Muzaffarabad.
India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh claimed that at least 100 terrorists were killed in these strikes, which were carried out using Rafale fighter jets equipped with SCALP cruise missiles. The operation was reportedly in response to the deadly Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22, 2025, which killed 27 people, including 25 Hindu tourists, in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.
Pakistan’s Retaliation
Pakistan has vowed retaliation for India’s strikes. On May 8, Pakistani authorities claimed to have shot down 25 Israeli-made drones launched by India. Pakistan also reported that Indian drones intruded into Pakistani airspace at nine different locations, including the cities of Karachi and Lahore.
In response to Indian operations, Pakistani forces conducted artillery shelling targeting the town of Poonch, reportedly killing 15 Indian civilians. The Pakistani army also attempted drone and missile strikes across several Indian cities, including Amritsar, though Indian authorities claim these were intercepted by their S-400 missile system.
The Path to Escalation
The current standoff began on April 23, 2025, following the Pahalgam terrorist attack. India accused Pakistan of sponsoring the attack and responded by:
- Suspending the Indus Waters Treaty
- Closing the Attari-Wagah border crossing
- Banning Pakistani nationals from traveling to India
- Expelling Pakistani military advisers
- Reducing the staff strength of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad
Pakistan denied involvement in the attack and retaliated by:
- Suspending visas for Indian nationals
- Closing its airspace to Indian aircraft
- Expelling Indian diplomats
- Cutting off trade with India
- Suspending the Simla Agreement
Between April 24 and May 6, both countries engaged in skirmishes and exchanged small arms fire along the Line of Control.
Impact on Civilian Life
The escalating tensions have significantly affected civilian life in the region. Air travel has been severely disrupted, with India closing 27 airports in its northern and western regions until May 10, resulting in the cancellation of over 430 flights. Major airlines have suspended operations to affected areas, and international carriers have rerouted flights to avoid Pakistani airspace.
The situation in Jammu is particularly concerning, with the city now experiencing power outages and residents hearing explosions and sirens. Local authorities have established emergency control rooms, but information remains limited as the situation develops.
International Response
The international community has called for restraint from both nations. The United Nations urged both sides to exercise “maximum restraint” and resolve issues diplomatically. Several countries, including Iran, have offered to mediate the conflict. The United States has issued a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” warning for India’s Jammu and Kashmir region, citing high risks of terrorism and civil unrest.
What’s Next?
As the situation continues to develop, there are serious concerns about further escalation between the two nuclear-armed nations. The reported blasts and blackout in Jammu may indicate a new phase in this conflict. Residents are advised to follow official guidance, stay indoors when possible, and avoid spreading unverified information.
The coming days will be crucial in determining whether diplomatic efforts can succeed in de-escalating tensions or whether the region will face further military confrontation.
