New Delhi: Amid the escalation of hostilities, India launched precision strikes on three Pakistani air bases early Saturday morning. This came after Pakistan attempted to attack 26 locations along the International Border (IB) and Line of Control (LoC) over the past two nights.
According to reports, the Indian Armed Forces launched a calibrated military response after intercepting nearly 400 drones deployed by Pakistan between May 7 and 9, aimed at locations stretching from Baramulla in north Kashmir to Bhuj in Gujarat. The drones, suspected to be Turkish-made Asisguard Songar models, attempted infiltration and reconnaissance at multiple points, including Baramulla, Jammu, Ferozepur, Pathankot, Jaisalmer, and Bhuj.
Pakistan drone strikes civilian locality in Punjab
On Friday night, an armed Pakistani drone targeted a civilian locality near Punjab’s Ferozepur, injuring three members of a family.
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In response to what Indian officials termed “provocative and escalatory actions” by Pakistan, Indian forces fired six ballistic missiles at strategic air bases deep inside Pakistani territory in the early hours of Saturday. The strikes hit the Nur Khan air base in Rawalpindi, Murid air base in Chakwal, and Rafiqui air base in Jhang district, Punjab province.
Loud explosions were reported near Rawalpindi, with one powerful blast near Nur Khan air base being heard as far as Islamabad, located only 10 kilometre away. While Pakistan’s military spokesperson claimed that most Indian missiles were intercepted and no critical military assets were damaged, local reports confirmed that operations at all three bases were suspended, and civilian air traffic was halted indefinitely.
Situation along border remains tense
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri reaffirmed India’s stance late Friday, saying, “Pakistan’s repeated incursions and attempts to target Indian civilian infrastructure warranted a proportionate and responsible response. The safety of our citizens and sovereignty of our borders remains paramount.”
Meanwhile, the situation along the border remains tense, with high alert declared in border states, blackouts enforced in sensitive areas, and air defence systems on standby.
