Tensions Escalate as Pakistan Launches Drone Attacks Across India’s Border Regions

In a concerning escalation of hostilities, the Indian Army has confirmed sightings of drones, including armed ones, at 26 locations across India, from Jammu and Kashmir to Gujarat, along both the International Border and the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan. This marks the latest provocation by Pakistan, coming shortly after it launched 300-400 drones the day before, which were subsequently neutralized by the Indian Army.

Pakistan launched drones towards military bases in Jammu, Pathankot and several other locations inside India on Friday. (Source: India Today)

The impacted regions include Baramulla, Srinagar, Avantipora, Nagrota, Jammu, Ferozepur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Lalgarh Jatta, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bhuj, Kuarbet, and Lakhi Nala. Among the drone attacks, one armed drone targeted a civilian area in Ferozepur, resulting in severe injuries to three members of a local family. The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Ferozepur, Bhupinder Singh Sidhu, confirmed that the victims suffered burn injuries, though most of the drones had been neutralized by the Army.

The rising threat has prompted Indian politicians to express their outrage. AAP’s Rajya Sabha MP, Raghav Chadha, condemned Pakistan’s actions, labeling the country as a "terrorist state" for firing drones into civilian areas in Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and Rajasthan. "The world needs to see how Pakistan is provoking India. Shameful and cowardly," Chadha posted on social media.

In response, the Indian Armed Forces have maintained a heightened state of alert. The Army has been utilizing advanced counter-drone systems to track and neutralize aerial threats. While the situation remains tense, the public has been advised to stay indoors and follow safety instructions issued by local authorities.

Blackout Measures and Increased Vigilance

Amid the escalating tensions, precautionary blackouts have been enforced in several regions. Complete blackouts have been imposed in Jammu and Kashmir’s Akhnoor and Udhampur regions, Haryana’s Ambala and Panchkula areas, Punjab’s Ferozepur, and Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer. These measures have been taken to mitigate the risks posed by the continuous drone activity.

In addition to the ongoing drone threats, Pakistan has also escalated its military operations along the western border. On Thursday night, a series of coordinated drone and missile attacks targeted several regions, including Jammu, Punjab, and Rajasthan. India’s air defense systems, including the sophisticated S-400 missile defense system, successfully intercepted these attacks, preventing significant damage.

Indian officials suspect that the large-scale aerial intrusions were likely aimed at testing India’s air defense capabilities and gathering intelligence. Forensic investigations are underway to confirm the types of drones used, with initial reports pointing to Turkish Asisguard Songar drones.

Impact on Local Communities and Military Strategy

As the situation unfolds, local authorities in several regions have urged civilians to remain vigilant and follow safety instructions. "While there is no need for panic, heightened vigilance and precaution are essential," stated the Indian Army. Local residents in border areas, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, have been advised to limit unnecessary movement.

The military’s response has been swift, with Indian officials convening urgent meetings to strategize the next course of action. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with key defense and security officials, has been actively overseeing the situation, ensuring a coordinated defense strategy.

The ongoing hostilities follow India’s Operation Sindoor in early May, launched in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack in April, which had cross-border connections and resulted in 26 casualties. The attack on the Indian military has led to significant strain in relations between the two nations, with many fearing an even greater escalation.

Conclusion: A Growing Threat

As tensions between India and Pakistan continue to rise, the threat posed by aerial drones remains a serious concern. While India’s defense systems have managed to neutralize several attacks, the situation remains volatile. The actions of Pakistan are being closely monitored, and the international community watches closely to see how the two nuclear-armed neighbors will navigate this growing crisis.

(Source: India Today, NDTV)