Hours after Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Thursday said that the choice of de-escalation is with Pakistan, as it escalated the situation with the Pahalgam terror attack and India only responded to it through Operation Sindoor, things changed quick as multiple reports from border states emerged of drone attacks from the neighbouring nation.
India swiftly thwarted Pakistan’s attempts to strike military sites with drones and missiles in Jammu and Pathankot, after intercepting similar threats at 15 locations in northern and western India on May 7- 8. The renewed attempts on Thursday evening coincided with intense shelling by Pakistani forces along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan. Earlier in the day, India targeted Pakistani air defence systems, including one in Lahore that was “neutralised.”
The Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, on Thursday evening, confirmed that military stations in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur were targeted by Pakistan using missiles and drones.
“No losses. Threat neutralised by #IndianArmedForces as per SoP with kinetic & non-kinetic means,” the statement said.
India Intercepts Missile Attack Targeting Jammu
Indian air defence systems intercepted at least eight missiles fired by Pakistan toward key locations in Jammu on Thursday evening. The intended targets reportedly included the strategically significant Jammu Airport at Satwari, as well as Samba, RS Pura and Arnia.
Two loud explosions were heard in Jammu following the interceptions, after which the city experienced a sudden blackout. The explosions were likely the result of drones being intercepted mid-air. Sirens soon followed, alerting residents to seek shelter as security agencies remained on high alert.
Rajasthan Border Districts On Red Alert
Border districts in Rajasthan have issued a red alert and enforced blackouts in several areas following reports of explosions and repeated sirens.
In Jaisalmer, a massive explosion was followed by intermittent blasts lasting nearly an hour, plunging the district into darkness. Barmer reported sirens at five separate times across key locations, including the railway station, main market and district collectorate.
In Sriganganagar, authorities urged residents to stay indoors and switch off lights. Police have stepped up patrolling due to growing public concern.
Bikaner enforced a complete blackout, with orders from District Magistrate Namrata Vrishni confirming the restrictions would remain until further notice. In Jodhpur, a similar directive was issued by District Magistrate Gaurav Agarwal for immediate compliance.
Explosion sounds and sirens were also reported in Jaisalmer city, with sources suggesting they may have been linked to drone activity in the Jaisalmer-Pokhran area.
India Launches Drone Strike On Lahore, Sirens Across Pakistani Cities
India launched a drone strike on Lahore on Thursday evening in response to cross-border drone attacks by Pakistan. Following the strike, sirens were reported in multiple Pakistani cities, including Islamabad, Karachi and Bahawalpur, triggering public panic. The development came after the downing of a Pakistan Air Force AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) aircraft.
Explosions Near Karachi Port; Indian Naval Assets Mobilised
Explosions were reported near the port area of Karachi amid the ongoing escalation. In response, the Indian Navy has mobilised key assets in the Arabian Sea. Sources confirmed that the Western Naval Command has deployed INS Vikrant and destroyers to maintain operational readiness.
sources have also indicated that a Pakistani F-16 and two JF-17 fighter jets were shot down by India’s missile defence systems. Official confirmation of these developments is awaited.
