New Delhi: Defence sources confirmed that Pakistani drones were spotted in the Jammu, Samba, and Pathankot sectors on Friday, as tensions between India and Pakistan continue to escalate. Red tracer lights and loud explosions were reported in the Samba region after Indian air defence systems intercepted the drones. A precautionary blackout has been imposed across multiple regions in response.
Blackout measures were enforced in Akhnoor and Udhampur areas of Jammu and Kashmir; Ambala and Panchkula in Haryana; Firozpur in Punjab; and Jaisalmer in Rajasthan as a security precaution following the drone intrusions.
The ceasefire violation marks the latest in a series of cross-border hostilities. On the night of May 7 and 8, the Pakistani military allegedly conducted numerous airspace violations and drone infiltrations targeting Indian military positions, according to Indian Army officials.
During a press briefing, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi disclosed that between 300 to 400 drones were deployed across 36 different locations, with several being neutralized by Indian forces using both kinetic and non-kinetic countermeasures. Initial forensic analysis indicates that the drones were Turkish-made Asisguard Songar models.
Col. Qureshi stated, “The Pakistani army repeatedly violated Indian airspace over the western border, aiming to target critical military infrastructure. They also used heavy-calibre weapons along the Line of Control (LoC).” She added that the scale of the drone deployment suggests an attempt to test India’s air defence readiness and gather intelligence.
This wave of provocations is believed to be a retaliatory response to India’s recent Operation Sindoor, conducted on May 8. The operation targeted nine terror infrastructure facilities in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Indian forces carried out the mission in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed multiple lives.
Investigations into the drone wreckage are ongoing as India ramps up surveillance and defensive preparedness along its western front.
