Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India]: Amid rising tensions with Pakistan, surface-to-air missile systems were activated in the Srinagar region of Jammu and Kashmir, according to defence sources. The armed forces are currently engaged in heavy aerial defence operations over Srinagar and its surrounding areas.
Sources revealed that Indian retaliatory strikes have so far targeted at least four airbases inside Pakistan. These operations follow Pakistan’s cross-border attack on 26 Indian locations on Saturday.
Meanwhile, in the Dibber area of Udhampur, smoke was seen billowing after a powerful explosion. Multiple houses were damaged in the Rajouri region, which has experienced a sustained barrage of explosions. Similar loud blasts were also heard in Rajouri and Akhnoor.
The Ministry of Defence earlier released a statement detailing the severity of the situation:
“Drones have been sighted at 26 locations along the International Border and LoC with Pakistan. These include suspected armed drones. The locations include Baramulla, Srinagar, Avantipora, Nagrota, Jammu, Ferozpur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Lalgarh Jatta, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bhuj, Kuarbet and Lakhi Nala. Regrettably, an armed drone targeted a civilian area in Ferozpur, resulting in injuries to members of a local family. The injured have been provided medical assistance and the area has been sanitised by security forces. The Indian Armed Forces are maintaining a high state of alert, and all such aerial threats are being tracked and engaged using counter-drone systems. The situation is under close and constant watch & prompt action is being taken wherever necessary. Citizens, especially in border areas, are advised to remain indoors, limit unnecessary movement, and strictly follow safety instructions issued by local authorities. While there is no need for panic, heightened vigilance and precaution are essential.”
On Friday, Pakistani drones were once again sighted in the Jammu, Samba, and Pathankot sectors, a day after Indian defences successfully intercepted an attempted attack on civilian infrastructure near the Line of Control and International Border.
These recent developments are part of a broader escalation following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 people dead. In response, the Indian Armed Forces launched precision airstrikes on terror infrastructure located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). Pakistan’s continued acts of aggression are being met with firm and calculated countermeasures by India’s defence forces.