As Pakistan escalated cross-border aggression through drone attacks and ceasefire violations, the Indian Armed Forces effectively neutralised multiple aerial threats along the Western Border, including Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. In the face of this heightened tension, local residents in the border districts have voiced unwavering support and confidence in India’s defence forces.
On the intervening night of May 8 and 9, the Indian Air Defence system intercepted all Pakistani drones targeting Jaisalmer. Locals, initially gripped by fear due to explosions and a sudden blackout, expressed profound relief and pride after learning that none of the drones hit civilian areas.
“After the sudden strike we were under fear, but all the Pakistani drones were neutralised. The attack on the Army and Air Force was completely thwarted. There is peace now—no fear among the people. We are with the Indian Air Force and Army,” said a local resident.
Another resident recounted how the initial panic quickly turned into relief:
“Many drones were targeted towards us, but the Indian air defence destroyed all of them mid-air. India is far stronger than Pakistan. We were happy to hear their F-16s and JF-17s were shot down. Pakistan will always fail.”
A third witness described the moment they heard loud explosions:
“We thought it was firecrackers at first. But then we realised it was real—bombs, drones. We are proud of our air defence system. Pakistan can never harm Jaisalmer.”
The Indian Army, under Operation Sindoor, confirmed that all drone attacks and ceasefire violations were repelled, with significant retaliatory action taken against Pakistani terror infrastructure. According to a statement by the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADG PI), more than 50 Pakistani drones were downed across the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB) during a large-scale counter-drone operation.
“Pak troops also resorted to numerous ceasefire violations (CFVs) along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir. The drone attacks were effectively repulsed and a befitting reply was given. Indian Army remains committed to safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Nation,” the Army stated.
The latest surge in hostilities comes in the wake of India’s precision strikes on nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)—a retaliatory move following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives.
As tension simmers across the region, the spirit of unity and resilience among civilians in border regions like Jaisalmer offers a powerful counter to the psychological tactics of Pakistan’s drone warfare and propaganda.