NEW DELHI — Tensions flared across northern India in the early hours of Friday as explosions, blackouts, and drone sightings caused alarm in several regions, including Jammu, Punjab, and Rajasthan. The incidents came shortly after Indian forces successfully intercepted a series of Pakistani attempts to strike military installations along the border.
Around 3:50 a.m. to 4:45 a.m., loud explosions were heard across Jammu city, triggering air raid sirens and a citywide blackout. Loitering munitions—drones designed to hover and strike targets—were detected in the skies. Indian security forces acted swiftly, neutralizing the threat. Video footage shared online captured aerial objects and mid-air explosions as Indian defences intercepted the incoming drones.
According to defence sources cited by ANI, over 50 Pakistani drones were shot down by the Indian Army in a major counter-drone operation along both the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB) on Wednesday night. The operation was launched after Pakistan attempted to infiltrate Indian airspace using swarms of drones at multiple locations.
Indian Army Air Defence units engaged drone threats across key areas such as Udhampur, Samba, Jammu, Akhnoor, Nagrota, and Pathankot, using both kinetic weapons and electronic countermeasures.
“Last night, as Pakistan made failed attempts to send swarms of drones across several border locations, Indian Army Air Defence units launched a large-scale counter-drone operation and neutralised over 50 drones,” a senior official confirmed.
Ceasefire Violations and Border Shelling
Overnight ceasefire violations were also reported in the Poonch, Rajouri, and Jammu districts, with Pakistani forces resorting to heavy shelling and small arms fire. Indian troops responded in equal measure.
As tensions escalated, the deputy commissioner of Jammu urged residents via social media to remain calm. In light of the situation, authorities ordered the closure of all educational institutions—including schools, colleges, and universities—in affected areas.
Voices from the Ground
Residents near the border reported sleepless nights filled with fear and uncertainty.
“There was a complete blackout last night. Drones were flying overhead, and firing continued all night. But our forces responded strongly. We trust our Prime Minister and our Army. Every drone was neutralised. We are proud of our country,” said one local resident.
Another resident added:
“Just as we sat down for dinner, explosions rang out. More came around 4:30 a.m. but were also intercepted. There’s nothing to fear—our soldiers are alert. Attacking civilians is cowardice. They know they can’t face our military, so they resort to this. We stand by our forces with pride.”
High-Level Security Response
In Rajasthan, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma convened a high-level security meeting with senior officials, including the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, Director General of Police, and other key law enforcement heads. The meeting followed Pakistani drone activity that had been intercepted near Jaisalmer, prompting visible flashes and explosions in the sky.
Blackouts were also enforced in Bikaner, parts of Punjab, and regions of Jammu & Kashmir, including Kishtwar, Akhnoor, Samba, Amritsar, and Jalandhar.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a strategic review meeting with leaders of India’s border security forces to evaluate the ground situation. He also met separately with the Director General of CISF to assess airport security amid growing concerns over drone threats.
Official Statement on Military Targeting
According to the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, Pakistan attempted to strike military stations in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur using drones and missile systems. All threats were effectively neutralised.
“Military stations in proximity to the International Boundary in Jammu & Kashmir were targeted by Pakistan using missiles and drones. There were no losses. The threats were neutralised by Indian Armed Forces using kinetic and non-kinetic means, in accordance with standard operating procedures,” the official statement read.
Context: Operation Sindoor
India’s recent escalation follows the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which prompted Operation Sindoor—a precision military response aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Indian authorities have reiterated that any further attempt to attack Indian military facilities will prompt immediate and proportionate retaliation.
India remains on high alert as tensions along the western border intensify. With a combination of precision defence systems, counter-drone operations, and coordinated government response, Indian forces continue to safeguard the nation’s borders and reassure citizens during a time of heightened threat. Authorities have emphasized calm and vigilance while affirming their commitment to national security and measured retaliation.
