Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi
New Delhi, May 9: In a dramatic escalation late Thursday night, Indian air defence systems successfully intercepted a barrage of missiles and drones launched by Pakistan, targeting multiple military installations and key urban centres across Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan. The attempted strikes led to widespread blackouts and triggered sirens, but authorities confirmed there was no damage or casualties.
As a precaution, the high-octane Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals, underway at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala, was called off midway. Emergency protocols were immediately activated across several northern states.
According to the Integrated Defence Staff (IDS), strategic military stations in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur were targeted. “The threat was neutralised by Indian Armed Forces using both kinetic and non-kinetic means,” read a statement posted on social platform X.
Defence sources said Indian air defence systems swiftly took down eight incoming missiles near Jammu. Several drones launched near the Jammu airport were also intercepted. No loss of life or infrastructure damage was reported. A temporary blackout was observed in key areas, including the Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi district and parts of Srinagar, as security was tightened.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah held high-level discussions with top security officials, including the Directors General of border guarding forces and CISF, to assess the situation. He also communicated with Jammu & Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and DGP Nalin Prabhat.
In a significant retaliatory move, India reportedly shot down a Pakistan Air Force F-16 fighter jet, which had taken off from the Sargodha air base. The jet was downed near its origin point by a surface-to-air missile system, according to NDTV sources.
Amid global concern, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reached out to key international counterparts, including from the United States, affirming India’s unwavering resolve to defend its sovereignty and deter any future aggression.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, through Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq, urged both India and Pakistan to “exercise maximum restraint” and emphasized the need for de-escalation. Guterres also offered his “good offices” to facilitate peace efforts.
Diplomatic interventions are underway, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaking to Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and India’s Jaishankar. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir are currently in New Delhi for diplomatic consultations.
Thursday’s offensive by Pakistan came just hours after an earlier foiled attempt to target 15 Indian cities. Senior Indian defence officials, including Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, revealed that cities such as Srinagar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Chandigarh, and Bhuj were on the target list. India’s robust integrated counter-UAS grid and air defence network prevented any breach.
In retaliation, India launched “Operation Sindoor”, targeting and destroying nine terrorist camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, eliminating nearly 100 militants. Additionally, Indian forces dismantled several Pakistani air defence units, including a major site in Lahore.
Meanwhile, Pakistan resorted to unprovoked heavy shelling in the Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar, and Rajouri sectors, resulting in the tragic deaths of 16 civilians, including five children and three women. The Indian Army responded proportionately, maintaining a firm stance.
As tensions remain high, the nation stands united behind its armed forces, even as global efforts to cool down hostilities continue in earnest.