After ‘operation sindoor’, Pakistan strikes back

KATHMANDU: Tensions between India and Pakistan have reached a critical point following two consecutive nights of aerial attacks from Pakistan targeting sensitive areas across northern and western India.

According to the Indian Ministry of Defence, Pakistan launched multiple suicide drones and missiles late Thursday night, marking a serious escalation in hostilities.

The strikes reportedly targeted regions in Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. The Indian Army stated that Pakistan deployed eight projectiles — including missiles and suicide drones — toward RS Pura, Satwari, Samba, and Arnia.

However, India’s advanced S-400 air defense system successfully intercepted and neutralized all threats, preventing any reported damage or casualties.

These attacks follow a similar offensive on Wednesday night, when Pakistani drones targeted military installations in Jammu and Pathankot. Defence sources suggest that Thursday’s strikes were a deliberate attempt to re-target the same locations.

Cross-Border Firing Reported Along LoC

Simultaneously, cross-border firing has intensified along the Line of Control (LoC), particularly in RS Pura, Kupwara, and Baramulla sectors. Indian officials claim that Pakistani forces initiated unprovoked gunfire, prompting retaliatory action.

Fire exchanges were reportedly ongoing in RS Pura at the time of reporting.

Blackouts Ordered in Key Regions

In response to the escalating threat, Indian authorities declared precautionary blackouts across several sensitive cities in Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.

Affected areas include Jammu, Udhampur, Kishtwar, Srinagar, Anantnag, Barmer, Bikaner, Sri Ganganagar, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Pathankot, Bhuj, and Kutch.

‘Operation Sindoor’ and Pakistan’s Response

On Wednesday morning, the Indian Army reportedly conducted “Operation Sindoor,” which targeted and destroyed parts of Pakistan’s air defense infrastructure.

Thursday’s and Wednesday night’s retaliatory attacks from Pakistan were likely in response to this operation, according to Indian defense sources. Pakistan has denied India’s claims, stating that no damage was inflicted on its assets.

Preliminary investigations also suggest that Pakistan used Israeli-made “Harpy” drones during the attacks.

Indian Defense on High Alert

India’s Integrated Defence Staff released a statement via social media platform X (formerly Twitter), confirming the attempted missile and drone strikes on military bases in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur.

The statement assured that India’s air defense systems effectively thwarted all attacks, with no damage or injuries reported.

Global Concerns Mount

Defense analysts warn that the renewed military escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors poses a significant threat to regional peace in South Asia.

The international community is closely monitoring developments as fears of a larger conflict grow.