In a massive escalation following Operation Sindoor, Pakistan launched coordinated drone, missile, and artillery strikes late Thursday on Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, targeting military stations and border areas. India responded swiftly, intercepting incoming threats, shooting down a Pakistani F-16, and enforcing widespread blackouts in sensitive regions.
Pakistan Targets Jammu, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat
At around 9 PM, explosions rocked Jammu amid air raid sirens and a citywide power blackout. Visuals from local residents captured interception trails of missiles streaking across the skies as the Indian Air Defence System activated in real time.
Eight missiles were fired at RS Pura, Arnia, Samba, and Hiranagar — key military zones near the International Border — all of which were successfully neutralized.
Pakistani-origin drones and missiles also targeted military installations in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur, prompting a rapid defence using both kinetic and non-kinetic capabilities. The Ministry of Defence confirmed no casualties or damage.
F-16 Fighter Jet Shot Down
In a significant blow to Pakistan’s offensive, India shot down a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet, reportedly deployed from the Sargodha air base, using its advanced surface-to-air missile systems.
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Pathankot, a critical military hub, came under heavy artillery fire.
- Pakistani drones were intercepted in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan and near Sir Creek, Gujarat.
- Blackouts were declared in border districts including Chandigarh, Mohali, Gurdaspur, and across parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat to minimize visibility and civilian exposure.
IPL Match Cancelled, Airports on High Alert
The IPL match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamshala was cancelled mid-game and the stadium evacuated. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has directed nationwide airport alerts, implementing:
- Secondary security checks for all passengers
- Restricted terminal access
- Increased air marshal deployment
- Random vehicle and baggage screening
India’s Official Stand: Non-Escalation, Firm Retaliation
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting reaffirmed India’s “focused, measured and non-escalatory response” to Pakistan’s aggression. “India remains fully prepared to defend its sovereignty,” the Defence Ministry posted on X.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan had attempted to target military assets in 15 Indian cities, including Srinagar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Chandigarh, all of which were foiled.
US Urges Immediate De-escalation
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who urged both countries to de-escalate and engage in direct dialogue. The US State Department reiterated support for open communication and regional stability.
India maintains that all operations were retaliatory and within the same military domain, following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. The Indian military remains on highest alert, committed to non-escalation, provided Pakistan abides by the same principle.
