Pakistan launched another round of drone attacks on Friday night, targeting 26 locations from Jammu and Kashmir down to Gujarat. This is the second night in a row that such attacks have been reported. However, the Defence Ministry said that all attempts to strike key sites, including airports and air bases, were successfully thwarted.
Explosions, Strikes and Blackouts
Residents in Pathankot and Ferozepur reported hearing loud explosion-like noises. Similar sounds were also heard in Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur, Fazilka, Dasuya in Hoshiarpur, and the Patti area of Tarn Taran, PTI reported citing local residents. For the second night in a row, Pathankot was targeted by Pakistani drone attacks. In response, authorities imposed blackouts across several areas, including Ferozepur, Pathankot, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Fazilka, Muktsar, and Sangrur. Air raid sirens were activated in Ferozepur, Pathankot, Amritsar, and Hoshiarpur.
Several Pakistani drones over Baramulla district were effectively shot down, PTI report said. Explosions and sirens were reported in parts of Jammu and south Kashmir, and several areas experienced power outages, according to officials.
In Srinagar, mosque loudspeakers were used to advise residents to turn off their lights as a safety measure. Drone activity was also reported in Udhampur and Nagrota in Jammu, and Kupwara in north Kashmir.
Heavy Shelling Along LoC
At the same time, heavy shelling was taking place along the International Border, particularly in the Suchetgarh and Ramgarh sectors of Jammu and Samba districts.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah shared updates on social media, noting that loud explosions could be heard and the city of Jammu had plunged into darkness. He urged people to stay indoors and avoid spreading rumours, asking everyone to remain calm and safe.
A day earlier, Indian air defence systems had intercepted at least eight missiles fired by Pakistan towards border areas in Jammu, including near the important Jammu airport, defence sources said.
India Blocks Another Wave of Drone Attacks
This latest drone strike came just a day after India successfully prevented Pakistan’s military from targeting Indian defence sites using drones and missiles.
The ministry urged people, particularly those living near the border, to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary movement, and follow all safety guidelines from local officials. While there is no cause for panic, people have been advised to stay alert and take necessary precautions.
According to the defence ministry, an armed drone struck a civilian area in Ferozepur, injuring members of a local family. The injured received medical treatment, and security forces have cleared and secured the area. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and are responding quickly wherever needed.