New Delhi: Pakistan once again began heavy shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) in areas including Poonch, Rajouri, Uri, and Chowkibal in Jammu and Kashmir early on Friday morning. Several houses were damaged in Uri and Chowkibal Kupwara and one woman was reportedly killed in Uri.
Shelling has continued regularly since the Pahalgam terror attack, with Pakistan targeting civilian and military zones. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated following the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 people, mostly tourists, lost their lives on April 22. Since then, Pakistan has increased cross-border aggression, leading to multiple military responses by India across various sectors.
Drone attacks and India’s counter-operation
On Thursday night, Pakistan made a failed attempt to launch swarm drones across multiple areas along the LoC and the International Border (IB). Indian Army responded swiftly, shooting down over 50 drones using L-70 guns, Zu-23mm cannons, Schilka systems, and other advanced air defense technology. The operation took place in Udhampur, Samba, Jammu, Akhnoor, Nagrota, and Pathankot.
Indian Army officials said, “Pakistan Armed Forces launched multiple attacks using drones and other munitions along entire Western Border on the intervening night of 8 and 9 May 2025. Pak troops also resorted to numerous cease fire violations (CFVs) along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. The drone attacks were effectively repulsed and befitting reply was given to the CFVs.”
OPERATION SINDOOR
Pakistan Armed Forces launched multiple attacks using drones and other munitions along entire Western Border on the intervening night of 08 and 09 May 2025. Pak troops also resorted to numerous cease fire violations (CFVs) along the Line of Control in Jammu and… pic.twitter.com/9YcW2hSwi5
— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) May 9, 2025
After Pakistan escalated the situation further with drone and air strikes in border regions of Jammu and Kashmir and Rajasthan, India launched its own retaliatory operations. Sources said that Indian military action began post-midnight on Friday, including naval operations in the Arabian Sea.
Air strikes and blackouts
Around 8.30 pm on Thursday, Pakistani jets and drones targeted multiple Indian cities. Indian air defense successfully intercepted all incoming missiles and drones, including those aimed at RS Pura, Arnia, Samba, and Hiranagar, regions known for key military installations.
Loud explosions were heard in Jammu, followed by blackouts and sirens. Several areas in Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and even Chandigarh faced complete blackouts as a security precaution.
Pathankot, a vital military base in Punjab near the border, was also targeted by artillery and drones. Despite the intensity of the attack, Indian forces successfully neutralised all threats.
Indian forces shoot down Pak F-16
Indian forces reportedly shot down a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet shortly after it took off from Sargodha Air Base in Pakistan. The Indian military had activated its surface-to-air missile defense systems to respond swiftly.
Airports on high alert
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) issued nationwide orders for heightened airport security. New protocols include:
- Mandatory second-level security checks for passengers
- Limited terminal access (only ticketed passengers allowed)
- Increased CCTV surveillance
- More air marshals on flights
- Stricter baggage and vehicle checks
Pakistan’s attempt to target 15 Indian cities
The current escalation comes a day after India carried out Operation Sindoor, targeting terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. These strikes were in response to the Pahalgam attack. Pakistan retaliated on Thursday by attempting to hit military sites in 15 Indian cities including Srinagar, Amritsar, Pathankot, Ludhiana, and Chandigarh. All attacks were intercepted.
India, in turn, targeted Pakistani air defense radars in Lahore and other regions. The government reiterated that all operations were precise and aimed only at military targets.
