At least two fighter jets of Pakistan were shot down by India on Thursday in a strong retaliatory action by the air defence system, shortly after Pakistan targeted multiple locations across the states on the India-Pakistan border using ‘swarm drones’.
In response, the Indian air defence systems successfully intercepted and shot down many of them with advanced anti-drone technology. In Punjab, military station Pathankot — just 30 km from the International Border and Udhampur — was also targeted by Pakistan.
The official X account of the Integrated Defence Staff also confirmed the development. “Military stations of Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur in proximity to the International Boundary, in Jammu and Kashmir targeted by Pakistan using missiles and drones. No losses,” it posted.
“Threat neutralised by Indian Armed Forces as per SoP with kinetic and non-kinetic means,” it added. India’s strong response to Pakistan’s target came as part of its ongoing counterterror action under “Operation Sindoor”. The operation was launched to avenge the Pahalgam terror attack, which was backed by Pakistani forces that claimed 26 lives on April 22. Defence sources said India on Thursday intercepted 8 Pakistani missiles directed at Satwari (Jammu Airport), Samba, RS Pura and Arnia around 8.10 pm. There was panic among Jammu residents after the multiple explosions were heard in different parts of the city, which were preceded by air raid sirens and blackouts.
“Complete blackout in Jammu. Loud explosions - bombing, shelling, or missile strikes suspected. Fret not - Mata Vaishno Devi is with us and so are the valiant Indian Armed Forces,” former DGP of Jammu and Kashmir, Shesh Paul Vaid, posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Defence sources said visuals over Jammu point to a Hamas-style attack on Israel, with defence sources saying the Pakistan army is behaving like the terror organisation. They point to the ISI-Hamas meet last month in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Additionally, Pakistani forces initiated unprovoked shelling along the Line of Control in Kupwara and Baramulla districts late on Thursday evening, prompting a strong response from the Indian military, officials reported. Heavy shelling was also reported along the International border of the Jammu frontier. Till the time of filing the report, heavy shelling was reported from RSPura, Arnia, Samba and Hiranagar sectors.The villagers living in the direct line of fire were earlier evacuated from the forward villages to safer locations and were advised to use community bunkers to prevent loss of life during cross border shelling.
Sirens have also been heard in other towns — Kupwara, Baramulla and Akhnoor. Former J and K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said that reports coming out of Jammu were disturbing, and she was praying for people living along the border.
“Deeply disturbing reports are emerging from Jammu, where air strikes have reportedly hit certain areas. My heart goes out to the people of Jammu especially those living along the borders that are once again caught in the terrifying uncertainty of conflict,” Mufti said.
“In this critical moment, my prayers for their safety and strength. I urgently appeal to all sides for restraint and for an immediate de-escalation. Too many lives have already been disrupted, peace must not be allowed to slip further away,” she added.
Blackout has also been declared in Chandigarh, Ferozepur, Mohali and Gurudaspur in Punjab and parts of Rajasthan — another state that shares a border with Pakistan. Following the drone attack, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has instructed all airlines and airports across the country to enhance security measures. The enhanced security measures would include mandatory secondary security checks for all passengers before boarding, restricted terminal access, allowing only passengers with valid tickets, full CCTV surveillance, increased deployment of air marshals on flights, tighter vehicle and passenger checks at entry points, including random baggage screening.