India Destroys Terrorist Launchpads Near LoC- In a significant escalation of cross-border tensions, the Indian Army has destroyed multiple terrorist launchpads located close to the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, the Ministry of Defence confirmed on Saturday. The military action came in response to a coordinated series of drone incursions, missile launches, and other provocative acts initiated by Pakistan’s military and its affiliated terror outfits over the past several days.
According to Indian defence officials, these launchpads had been under continuous surveillance and were being actively used to plan and execute infiltration attempts into Indian territory, as well as to orchestrate terror strikes against both civilian populations and security forces.
Footage Shows High-Precision Strikes
The Indian Army shared Footage evidence of the strikes conducted on Friday, clearly showing the destruction of structures suspected to be staging areas for terrorists. These facilities, located in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), are believed to be linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) — groups designated as terrorist organizations by the United Nations and several countries worldwide.
In a statement, the Army said:
“The Indian Army’s swift and decisive action has dealt a significant blow to terror infrastructure in Pakistan-occupied areas. These actions reaffirm our resolve to counter cross-border terrorism with zero tolerance.”
The Army further added that precision munitions were used, ensuring minimal collateral damage, and that the operation was carried out only after credible intelligence confirmed ongoing militant activities at the targeted locations.
Pakistani Drone Attacks Thwarted by Indian Air Defence
The strikes were carried out after a wave of drone attacks and missile firings from across the border, which had raised tensions in several border districts of Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir.
Defence sources confirmed that Pakistan deployed Turkish-origin Bayraktar YIHA-III kamikaze drones, modified to carry high-explosive payloads. These drones were launched toward urban centres like Amritsar, aiming to cause civilian casualties and infrastructure disruption.
However, India’s Advanced Air Defence (AAD) systems intercepted the drones almost immediately after they entered Indian airspace. “All aerial threats were tracked and neutralised in real time using radar-guided missile systems and electronic jamming platforms,” an official from the Defence Ministry said.
Pakistan Launches Coordinated Multi-Vector Attack
In a joint press briefing in New Delhi, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri detailed the full scope of Pakistan’s military provocations. Colonel Qureshi confirmed that at 1:40 AM on May 9, Pakistan launched a high-speed missile at an Indian Air Force base in Pathankot, Punjab, while simultaneously initiating aerial attacks on bases in Srinagar, Avantipora, and Udhampur using fighter jets, loitering munitions, and drones.
India confirmed that at least 26 separate locations across its northern frontier — including areas in Leh, Baramulla, Jammu, Pathankot, Fazilka, Jaisalmer, and Bhuj — were targeted by a combination of Pakistani drones, missiles, and air strikes over the last 48 hours. Indian authorities have categorically denied Pakistan’s claims of inflicting any substantial damage on Indian military installations.
A senior official from the Air Force stated:
“Pakistan’s attacks were largely symbolic and meant to provoke. Our defences were fully operational, and no critical infrastructure suffered damage. Their efforts were met with a proportionate and precise response.”
Broader Military Context: Operation Sindoor
The current escalation follows India’s launch of Operation Sindoor, a multi-phase counter-terror operation initiated after the May 6 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 Indian civilians, including pilgrims and security personnel. That attack was traced to operatives supported by terror outfits based in PoK, prompting India to target terror camps and logistical hubs deep inside enemy territory.
India has emphasized that all military actions under Operation Sindoor have focused strictly on terror infrastructure and military command centres, and not on civilian targets — a marked contrast from Pakistan’s indiscriminate cross-border shelling, which claimed several civilian lives, including a senior government officer in Rajouri.
Call for De-escalation With Vigilance
Despite the intensity of the military exchanges, Indian officials have underlined the country’s commitment to peace, stating that India is not seeking an escalation, but will not hesitate to respond to acts of aggression or terrorism.
“We urge Pakistan to stop using terrorism as state policy. Any attempts to destabilize India will be met with decisive force,” said Foreign Secretary Misri.
Meanwhile, citizens in border districts have been placed on high alert, with advisories asking them to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow all local safety protocols.
The Ministry of Defence reiterated that India remains on high alert, and any further hostile activity from Pakistan will be met with an equally resolute and proportionate military response.
