Drone Attack on Srinagar Airport Thwarted as Blasts Occur in Jammu and South Kashmir

Drone attacks targeting the Srinagar airport and Awantipora air base were successfully thwarted late on Friday, according to officials. This incident followed a day after India intercepted attempts by the Pakistan military to target Indian military sites using drones and missiles. The sky in Baramulla district was illuminated as Indian forces shot down Pakistani drones.

Blasts were reported in Jammu and parts of south Kashmir, causing many areas of the Union Territory to experience power outages. Defence officials noted drone sightings in Jammu, Samba, and Pathankot district in Punjab, with efforts underway to engage them. In Srinagar, mosque loudspeakers advised locals to turn off their lights as a safety measure.

Drone Sightings and Engagements

Drones were also engaged in Udhampur and Nagrota of Jammu and Punjab. Heavy cross-border shelling occurred along the International Border in Suchetgarh and Ramgarh sectors of Jammu and Samba districts. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah shared updates on X, mentioning the sounds of blasts, likely from heavy artillery, and posted a picture showing a blackout in Jammu.

He urged residents to stay indoors or find safe shelter for the next few hours, advising against spreading unverified information. "Intermittent sounds of blasts, probably heavy artillery, can now be heard from where I am," he stated. He also warned against rumours, encouraging people to remain calm.

Missile Interceptions

On Thursday evening, Indian air defence units intercepted at least eight missiles fired by Pakistan towards border areas of Jammu, including the crucial Jammu airport. Defence sources likened these tactics to those used by Hamas. All rockets aimed at the Jammu region were intercepted by air defence units.

The missiles targeted key locations such as Satwari Jammu airport, Samba, RS Pura, and Arnia. A sudden power outage plunged Jammu city into darkness following two loud explosions, likely due to drone interceptions. Sirens blared throughout the city, urging residents to seek shelter immediately.

Rising Tensions

The aerial objects attempted strikes on strategic locations like the Jammu airport and its surrounding areas housing army and paramilitary installations. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after Indian Armed Forces conducted precision strikes on terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This was in response to an April 22 attack by terrorists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in 26 deaths, mostly tourists.

The situation remains tense as both nations continue to engage militarily along their borders. The recent events highlight ongoing security challenges faced by India due to cross-border hostilities.

With inputs from PTI