Multiple Pakistani Drones Shot Down- Indian air defence forces have successfully intercepted and destroyed several Pakistani drones that posed a threat to civilian areas. Terming these provocations as “unacceptable,” the Indian Army released video footage of the engagements and reaffirmed its resolve to counter every act of aggression from across the border.
According to officials, multiple hostile drones originating from Pakistan were detected over Amritsar, Punjab—close to the India-Pakistan border. Air defence units swiftly responded, engaging and neutralising the threats in real-time. The Indian military also reported that retaliatory strikes caused significant damage to Pakistani military installations, including the destruction of a terrorist launchpad.
The Indian Army strongly condemned Pakistan’s use of drone warfare, stating, “Pakistan’s blatant attempts to violate India’s sovereignty and endanger civilians are unacceptable. We will respond decisively to any such designs by the enemy.”
The incident occurred amid escalating tensions between the two countries. Around 5 AM, multiple armed drones were sighted over Khasa Cantt in Amritsar. Indian air defence systems immediately locked on and eliminated the threats, with video footage showing a Pakistani drone being brought down.
Broader Hostilities and Operation Sindoor
This drone incursion comes on the heels of Operation Sindoor, a large-scale Indian military operation initiated in retaliation to the deadly April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which killed 26 people, mostly tourists. The operation targeted multiple terrorist camps deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), exposing Pakistan’s long-standing complicity in fostering terrorism.
India has consistently maintained that Pakistan finances, trains, and shelters terrorist networks. This narrative also surfaced at the recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) board meeting, where India strongly opposed the proposed $2.3 billion financial assistance to Pakistan, eventually abstaining from the vote. Despite Indian objections, the IMF approved the bailout.
Drone Strikes Across the Border
Pakistan escalated the conflict further by deploying swarms of drones targeting Indian military facilities at 26 locations stretching from Leh in the north to Sir Creek in the south. Most of these drones were intercepted. However, in Punjab’s Ferozepur, one drone attack left three members of a family with burn injuries—one critically—according to police reports.
Drones were also spotted over Barmer in Rajasthan, triggering air raid sirens in Jaisalmer. Simultaneously, Pakistan continued heavy overnight shelling across the Line of Control. A power blackout was enforced in Kupwara district, and in Rajouri, a senior official lost his life after a Pakistani shell struck his residence, confirmed Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Pakistan also attempted to target three critical Indian air bases in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur. However, Indian forces managed to neutralise the threats before any damage occurred.
India’s Swift Retaliation
In response to the continued aggression, Indian forces launched precise retaliatory strikes, destroying several Pakistani military outposts and a terrorist launchpad used to fire tube-launched drones. The counter-operations were conducted by troops stationed near Jammu, and according to sources, the destruction inflicted was substantial.
Loud explosions were reported from three major Pakistani airbases in the early hours of the morning—Nur Jahan Air Base in Rawalpindi, Murid Air Base in Chakwal, and Rafiqui Air Base in Jhang.
Notably, the Nur Jahan Air Base—previously known as Chaklala Air Base—is located just 10 kilometres from Islamabad and serves both Pakistan’s air force and VIP transport. It is also situated in close proximity to Pakistan’s military headquarters, making it one of the country’s most sensitive military installations.
Pakistan’s Escalation Strategy
India launched Operation Sindoor during the night of May 6–7 as a direct response to the Pahalgam terror attack. The operation struck numerous terror camps deep inside Pakistani territory and PoK, yielding critical intelligence on terrorist activities and proving Pakistan’s continued support for terrorism.
India has long accused Pakistan of acting as a global epicentre for terrorism. The discovery and eventual elimination of 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan, by U.S. forces in 2011 remains a stark reminder of Islamabad’s track record.
Following the success of Operation Sindoor, Pakistan appeared to intensify its aggression to shift global attention and bolster the power of its military regime, which is widely seen as more influential than the civilian government.
This escalation included repeated drone and missile strikes targeting Indian military bases and strategic airfields. However, Indian air defence systems responded effectively, thwarting these attacks.
Civilian Shield Tactics and Airspace Closure
India also accused Pakistan of using civilian aircraft as a protective shield during drone operations, anticipating retaliation. In response to these allegations, Pakistan shut down its airspace to all civilian and commercial traffic earlier today.
Meanwhile, Indian security forces thwarted an infiltration attempt in the Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir, eliminating seven terrorists who were attempting to cross into Indian territory.
