Jammu: India started retaliatory operations, sources said, after Pakistan escalated hostilities by opening air strikes and drone attacks in the border areas of Jammu and Kashmir and Rajasthan on Thursday evening. Post-midnight on Friday, the Indian Navy started operations in the Arabian Sea against multiple targets in Pakistan, sources said.
India had earlier underscored that while its actions are controlled and measured, it would respond “in the same domain (and) with the same intensity” to attacks from Pakistan. “The Indian Armed Forces reiterate their commitment to non-escalation, provided it is respected by the Pakistani military,” the government had said.
The Indian retaliation came after several hours of Pakistani airstrikes that started around 8.30 pm. It was Islamabad’s second attempt after its foiled bid to target 15 Indian cities early on Thursday.
The Pakistan army launched an attack on parts of Jammu and Kashmir and its military stations, Rajasthan, and later, pockets of Gujarat and Punjab.
While the border areas in Jammu and Kashmir along the Line of Control and International Border witnessed heavy shelling, winter capital Jammu faced relentless air strikes. Kamikaze drones were also dropped on Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer. All missiles and drones were successfully intercepted. One was intercepted near Sir Creek in Gujarat.
Shortly before 9 pm, loud explosions were heard from Jammu, followed by the clamour of sirens and a blackout. Cellphone videos circulated by locals showed lights streaking across the sky, indicating interception of the missiles and drones by the Air Defence System of the armed forces.
With the activation of the Air Defence System, the sky lit up every other minute. On the ground, there was considerable tension. Cellphone services were down in parts of the city — an extra hurdle for locals trying to get in touch with friends and relatives.
Eight missiles were shot at Jammu and Kashmir’s RS Pura, Arnia, Samba, Hiranagar – areas with heavy military installations — which were all intercepted by the Air Defence units.
Military Stations Targeted
The Defence ministry said military stations at Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur were targeted by Pakistani-origin drones.
“The threats were swiftly neutralised using kinetic and non-kinetic capabilities in line with established Standard Operating Procedures. No casualties or material losses were reported,” the ministry said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, from its official handle, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry said, “India has negated Pakistan’s escalation bid with focused, measured and non-escalatory response. Indian armed forces reiterate their commitment to non-escalation, provided it is respected by the Pakistani military”.
