Tensions between India and Pakistan have sharply escalated following a series of overnight drone and missile attacks on several Indian military bases near the border, allegedly launched from Pakistan. The assaults targeted strategic sites in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur, causing widespread alarm and heightening fears of a broader conflict.
The Indian Army confirmed the incidents this morning, reporting that Pakistan’s military carried out coordinated strikes using drones and missiles across the western frontier. Additionally, Pakistani forces were said to have committed multiple ceasefire breaches along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.
Initial reports indicate that the attacks were met with a strong response from the Indian armed forces. The Army stated that the drone attacks were “effectively repulsed” and a “befitting reply was given to the CFVs.” Defence sources further revealed that over 50 drones were successfully neutralized by the Indian Army Air Defence units during a large-scale counter-drone operation. This involved the deployment of L-70 guns, Zu-23mm systems, Schilka systems, and other advanced counter-UAS equipment.
Additionally, at least eight missiles fired from Pakistan were reportedly aimed at the Satwari, Samba, RS Pura, and Arnia areas. All of these projectiles were successfully intercepted by Indian air defence units. The Indian Air Force (IAF) activated its Integrated Counter UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) Grid and other air defence systems, including the S-400 Triumf, Barak 8 MRSAM (medium-range surface-to-air missile), and the indigenous Akash, creating a robust defensive umbrella that played a crucial role in thwarting the attacks.
While the Indian Ministry of Defence confirmed that the threats were swiftly neutralized and that no casualties or material losses were reported, the situation remains highly volatile. Eyewitness accounts from Jammu described a complete blackout in the city on Thursday evening, accompanied by the sounds of loud explosions and sirens as the military stations were targeted. Reports of heavy artillery fire from the Pakistan side also emerged from several border districts in Jammu, including Akhnoor, Rajouri, and Poonch.
These attacks come in the wake of India’s “Operation Sindoor,” a series of precise missile strikes carried out on Wednesday against what India claimed were terrorist infrastructure targets inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This operation was in retaliation for the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22nd, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, mostly tourists.
Pakistan has vehemently denied any involvement in the Pahalgam attack and has also disputed India’s claims regarding the targets of Operation Sindoor, alleging that civilian areas, including mosques, were hit.
The international community has expressed growing concern over the escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Calls for de-escalation and restraint have been issued by several countries and international organizations.
In response to the latest attacks, security has been beefed up across sensitive areas in India, particularly in the border regions and major cities. Authorities are on high alert to prevent any further untoward incidents.
The situation along the India-Pakistan border remains tense and unpredictable. While India has asserted its readiness to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, the possibility of further escalation looms large, demanding careful diplomatic engagement and strategic responses from both sides to prevent a descent into a full-blown conflict.
