Pakistan, India Accuse Each Other of Launching Waves of Drone Attacks

At least 45 deaths have been reported from both sides following a sharp escalation

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RAWALPINDI, Pakistan — India and Pakistan accused each other on May 8 of carrying out waves of drone attacks, as deadly confrontations between the nuclear-armed foes drew global calls for calm.

Pakistan's army said it shot down 25 Indian drones, while New Delhi accused Islamabad of launching overnight raids with drones and missiles, and claimed it destroyed an air defense system in Lahore.

The fighting comes two weeks after New Delhi blamed Islamabad for backing an attack on the Indian-run side of disputed Kashmir, which Pakistan denied.

The South Asian neighbors have fought multiple wars over the divided territory since they were carved out of the subcontinent at the end of British rule in 1947.

At least 45 deaths have been reported from both sides following a sharp escalation on May 7, when India launched missiles it said targeted "terrorist camps," and Pakistan retaliated with a barrage of artillery strikes.

"Pakistan attempted to engage a number of military targets. using drones and missiles," India's Defence Ministry said in a statement on May 8, adding that "these were neutralized."

The Defence Ministry earlier said its military targeted air defense radars and systems at a number of locations in Pakistan, adding that it had "reliably learnt that an air defense system at Lahore has been neutralized."