India Foils Pak's Drone, Missile Attack

Pak tries to target military sites in Jammu, Pathankot after similar bids in 15 cities; North Indian states on high alert

- Simontini Bhattacharjee

In a dramatic escalation of cross-border hostilities, India on Thursday night successfully thwarted a coordinated missile and drone attack launched from Pakistan, targeting key areas in the Jammu region and along the western front. The Indian Armed Forces sources confirmed that all hostile aerial threats—including eight missiles and several drones—were intercepted and neutralized without any casualties or material losses, averting what could have been a major catastrophe.

According to top defence sources, the attack occurred between 8.20 and 8.30 pm, when multiple loitering munitions—unmanned aerial systems capable of precision strikes—were launched from across the border, targeting vital locations such as Satwari, Samba, RS Pura, and Arnia. These areas lie in close proximity to strategic military installations and civilian zones, including the Jammu airport.

Residents in the affected localities reported loud explosions and widespread power outages. "We thought war had broken out," said a terrified resident living near the Jammu airport. "There was no light, only loud blasts, and everyone was running for shelter. It was chaos." At least four explosions were heard near the airport, sparking widespread panic and confusion before officials confirmed the successful neutralization of the threats by the Indian Air Defence systems.

Defence experts noted that the use of loitering munitions marks a significant and troubling shift in Pakistan's military tactics. "This is not traditional shelling—it was a planned and provocative strike using tactical aerial weapons," said a senior defence official, speaking on condition of anonymity. "It demonstrates an escalation in both capability and intent."