New Delhi: Hours after a failed attempt to target 15 Indian cities, Pakistan launched fresh attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, Punjab and Rajasthan, marking a significant escalation in hostilities. The Indian Army launched retaliatory strikes on Pakistan, targeting Lahore, Islamabad and Peshawar. Shortly before 9 pm, loud explosions were heard in the Jammu region, followed by blackouts and sirens. Pakistani drones were also intercepted in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan and near Sir Creek in Gujarat. As India intercepts Pakistani missiles, here are the top updates.
What we know so far
Explosions at Karachi Port
Explosions have occurred in Karachi, a city in southern Pakistan near the port. Indian Navy sources say that the Western Naval Command has deployed the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and destroyers in the Arabian Sea.
Pakistani Air Force jet shot down
An Indian air defence unit shot down a Pakistani Air Force jet in the Pathankot area, according to reports from ANI and several sources. Additionally, Indian Army air defence units also shot down two Pakistani drones in the Naushera sector of Jammu and Kashmir. “Heavy exchange of artillery fire is on between the two sides in the sector,” according to ANI, citing defence sources.
Indian air defence units intercepted at least eight missiles
Indian air defence units successfully shot down at least eight missiles that Pakistan fired toward the Jammu area, which includes the important Jammu Airport at Satwari. Sources told PTI that all of the rockets aimed at Jammu were intercepted and destroyed by the Air Defence Units. These actions resembled tactics used by Hamas. The missiles targeted key locations such as Satwari (Jammu Airport), Samba, RS Pura, and Arnia. Defence sources mentioned that Pakistan’s military actions looked similar to those of terrorist groups like Hamas, pointing to a recent meeting between Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Hamas members in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.
Amit Shah holds a meeting with the Border Security Forces
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to the leaders of India’s Border Security Forces on Thursday night. This included the Border Security Force (BSF), which protects the border with Pakistan. Sources say the home minister checked on the situation at the international borders. Tensions have increased between India and Pakistan after India conducted strikes on several locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Wednesday. In response, Pakistan attempted to target Indian military sites on Thursday.
Blackout in Jammu, Punjab and other states
Jammu experienced a power outage after two strong explosions near the airport, according to the PTI news agency. ANI reported that Bhuj in Gujarat is under a full blackout. In Punjab, cities like Jalandhar, Chandigarh, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, and Amritsar are also in darkness for security reasons. In Jammu and Kashmir, blackouts have been reported in Udhampur, Uri, Poonch, Rajouri, Kishtwar, Akhnoor, and Samba districts. Sirens are sounding in these areas, indicating heightened alertness. Cities in Rajasthan, including Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Barmer, are also under a complete blackout.
High alert in Delhi
A high alert was declared in Delhi, and all city government employees had their leaves cancelled due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan. Several border areas, including Jammu, experienced cross-border shelling. People strolling at India Gate, the famous war memorial, were asked to leave, and police regulated traffic there. Officers announced the need for people to vacate, but one officer mentioned that keeping the roads clear is a normal practice.
X begins to block 8,000 accounts
Social media platform X announced on Thursday that it has begun blocking 8,000 accounts in India. This move follows orders from the Indian government. In a message on X’s Global Government Affairs account, the platform stated that it received these orders requiring the block of more than 8,000 accounts to avoid potential penalties, which could include significant fines and imprisonment for local employees.
Travel advisory issued
Due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan, major Indian airlines, including IndiGo, Akasa Air, and Air India, issued travel warnings on Thursday. They advised passengers to check their flight statuses because of widespread disruptions from operational issues. All passengers should be allowed extra time for airport processes and should consider other travel options.
Fact Check
The Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check unit has confirmed that the claims on social media about a ban on entering airports in India are not true. In a post on X, the Fact Check unit in a post wrote, “Fake News Alert. Social media posts are claiming that entry to airports across India banned #PIBFactCheck. This claim is #FAKE. The government has taken no such decision.”
