India Repels Pakistan Drone Blitz

Missile, drone attacks on Jammu airport neutralised; unmanned aerial vehicles trying to bomb parts of Rajasthan, Punjab and elsewhere shot; US urges immediate de-escalation

- FAYAZ WANI, HARPREET BAJWA, MAYANK SINGH @Srinagar/Chandigarh/New Delhi

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated on Thursday evening after Pakistani drone attacks were reported across parts of Jammu, Punjab and Rajasthan. The Indian air defence system responded swiftly, intercepting multiple drones, triggering air raid sirens and enforcing blackouts in border towns.

As the tension ratcheted up in the evening, US secretary of state Marco Rubio spoke to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and called for "immediate de-escalation." He offered "support for direct dialogue between India and Pakistan and encouraged continued efforts to improve communications," US state department said. Jaishankar said India "will firmly counter any attempts at escalation."