Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir): A complete blackout has been enforced across Jammu following sirens and explosions near the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch and Rajouri districts early Friday morning, amid intensifying cross-border hostilities.
Multiple explosions were heard along the LoC in the twin border districts, prompting emergency security protocols. Further details about the damage or casualties, if any, are still awaited.
This development follows a series of escalations in the region:
- On May 8, the Border Security Force (BSF) successfully foiled a major infiltration bid along the International Boundary in Samba district at around 11 pm.
- The Indian Army shot down two Pakistani drones in the Naushera sector, amidst heavy artillery exchange between Indian and Pakistani troops.
- The Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) confirmed that Pakistan targeted military stations in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur using missiles and drones. These attacks were neutralized without any loss of life, according to official sources.
A post by HQ IDS on X read:
“Military Stations of Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur in proximity to the International Boundary, in Jammu and Kashmir, targeted by Pakistan using missiles and drones. No losses. Threat neutralised by Indian Armed Forces as per SoP with kinetic and non-kinetic means.”
These heightened tensions follow India’s launch of “Operation Sindoor” on May 7, in which the Indian Armed Forces conducted precision strikes on nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
The operation was a direct response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which killed 28 civilians.
According to Indian defence officials, the strikes were aimed at infrastructure linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, with an emphasis on avoiding civilian and military casualties.