Jammu, Punjab, Rajasthan: How India Thwarted Pak's Attacks Through the Night
A look at the locations where Indian Armed Forces successfully thwarted Pakistan's attempted drone/missile strikes.
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On the intervening night of 8-9 May, the Indian Armed Forces thwarted drone strikes and other munitions by Pakistan at multiple locations in Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab and Rajasthan.
A statement issued by the Indian Army on their official X(formerly Twitter) account read, "The drone attacks were effectively repulsed and befitting reply was given to the ceasefire violations (CFVs)."
Sirens were sounded in many districts, followed by blackouts, in what is being seen as the worst escalation between the two neighbouring nations.
According to a post by Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) on X, the Indian Armed Forces neutralised Pakistan's attempts to attack military stations in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur using "kinetic and non-kinetic means."
No losses were reported, the statement asserted.
Many cities, from Srinagar to Chandigarh to Bhuj, witnessed blackouts. We look at the locations where the Indian Armed Forces successfully foiled Pakistan's attempted drone/missile strikes.
Indian Armed Forces Intercept, Block Eight Missiles in Jammu
Many cities in north-west and west India witnessed blackouts and reported hearing sirens.
In Jammu, loud explosions — suspected to be missile strikes or shelling— were heard even as the city witnessed complete blackout, former J&K DGP SP Vaid posted on X.
"Sirens sounded and red flashes and projectiles erupted in the night sky above Jammu for about 2-1/2 hours, as per a Reuters report.
The ministry also stated that the Border Security Force (BSF) foiled a major infiltration attempt at the International Boundary in J&K’s Samba district last night, killing at least seven terrorists.
"Sources in BSF said that an infiltration attempt by a big group of terrorists was detected by the surveillance grid. This infiltration bid was supported by fire from the Pak Rangers post Dhandhar. Alert troops of the BSF caused extensive damage to the Pak Post Dhandhar," the statement read.
Even early on Friday morning, there were reports on another attempt by Pakistan to target Jammu. However, this was also repulsed by the Indian Army.
According to The Indian Express, the Srinagar airport was put on high alert and the defence system readied even as the city witnessed a blackout.
Reports of Blackouts, Air Raid Sirens and Strikes From Many Cities Across Punjab and Rajasthan
A blackout was reportedly imposed and sirens heard in many towns and cities across Punjab and Rajasthan.
Amritsar's District Public Relations Officer (DPRO), on Friday morning, appealed all citizens to stay indoors and away from the windows and keep lights turned off and the window curtains drawn.
"There is no need to panic, a siren will blow now and we will pass the message again once it is clear. Our armed forces are on the job, and we need to support them by staying indoors. There is no need to panic," news agency ANI quoted Amritsar DPRO as saying.
Sirens were sounded in Barmer district of Rajasthan, while loud explosions were reportedly heard from Jaisalmer, even as western districts bordering Pakistan reported a blackout. The Indian Armed Forces intercepted and neutralised the drone attack in Jaisalmer, according to The Times of India.
An emergency meeting was called by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma at midnight "regarding the tense situation arising on the Rajasthan border."
Meanwhile, in Barmer, the police asked citizens not to use lighting, drones at night in houses, establishments and event venues during wedding ceremonies.
A blackout was reportedly imposed in most parts of Kutch district in Gujarat, as per The Indian Express
As India-Pakistan relations endure a tense period, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a meeting with CDS Gen. Anil Chauhan, Army Chief Gen. Upendra Dwivedi, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi and IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, in New Delhi.
(Image: PTI)
The situation has been tense since India responded to the 22 April Pahalgam Attack with precision strikes under Operation Sindoor on 7 May, which targeted terrorist establishments in Pakistan.