On Thursday evening, Pakistan conducted a series of drone and missile strikes in border areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan. In a frightening build-up of cross-border hostilities, Pakistani troops also began firing artillery in regions such as Jammu, Pathankot in Punjab, and Jaisalmer in Rajasthan.
India’s Defence Systems Repel Incoming Threats
India’s air defence mechanisms reacted quickly, intercepting and neutralizing all the incoming drones and missiles. Scenes of intense flashes and thunderous explosions filled the skies, particularly over Jaisalmer, where drones were said to have been shot down before reaching sensitive areas. A Pakistani drone was neutralized 20 kilometers away from the Phalodi Air Force base.
Retaliation to Pahalgam Terror Attack
This comes after India had made targeted attacks on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on Wednesday. The attack came as retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack which had left 26 dead. In an escalation of aggression, Pakistan tried to attack 15 Indian cities on May 7-8, which were foiled by Indian forces.
Cities Under Blackout as a Security Measure
During the attacks, Indian officials implemented precautionary blackouts in some major cities of impacted states to cut down visibility for hostile drones and safeguard civilian infrastructure.
Jammu and Kashmir: Cities like Jammu, Rajouri, Udhampur, Samba, and Srinagar were left in the dark. Witnesses have reported observing Indian missiles destroying Pakistani drones in the evening sky, with accompanying explosions. Sirens rang out throughout Akhnoor, Samba, Baramulla, and Kupwara. Srinagar airport is still on red alert with air defence systems in full operation.
Punjab: A total blackout was ordered in Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur as a precaution.
Rajasthan: Jaisalmer, near the India-Pakistan border, also experienced a complete blackout due to direct firing by Pakistani troops. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma called a high-level security meeting with the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, DGP, DG Intelligence, and ADG Law and Order to evaluate and react to the changing threat.
Uttarakhand Incident Amid Security Alert
In Dharamshala, where Punjab Kings were hosting Delhi Capitals in an IPL match, three of four floodlight towers shut down after the security alert. The game was abandoned and the stadium evacuated as a precautionary measure.
Advanced Indian Defence Deployed
To bolster its defences, India had positioned high-tech systems such as the S-400 ‘Sudarshan Chakra,’ L-70, ZSU-23, and Schilka anti-aircraft batteries. These defence systems played a pivotal role in thwarting Pakistan’s newest aerial attack.
Pakistan’s F-16 Shot Down
India air defence reportedly shot down a Pakistani F-16 fighter plane in a major counter to missile attacks on various Indian sites in Jammu and Punjab.
