Srinagar, May 8, KNT: In a significant escalation of hostilities, the Indian Armed Forces launched targeted strikes on Pakistani military installations on Thursday morning, retaliating to an attempted large-scale drone and missile offensive by Pakistan during the night of May 7-8. The Indian Ministry of Defence confirmed that Air Defence Radars and systems, including one in Lahore, were successfully neutralised.
According to the Indian Defense Ministry, Pakistan had tried to strike several Indian military targets across Northern and Western India, including strategic bases in Awantipora, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Jalandhar, and as far as Bhuj and Phalodi. The attacks were executed using unmanned aerial systems (drones) and missiles.
However, the coordinated activation of India’s Integrated Counter UAS Grid and Air Defence mechanisms successfully intercepted and neutralised the incoming threats. The ministry said that debris from the neutralised drones and missiles is being recovered from multiple sites, offering concrete proof of Pakistan’s offensive.
India’s response, described by the Defence Ministry as “measured, focused, and within the same domain,” targeted air defence systems across Pakistan. A key installation in Lahore was reportedly destroyed. The Indian military underlined that its actions were consistent with its earlier stated position — that any attack on Indian military assets would invite a “suitable response.”
Meanwhile, Pakistan intensified unprovoked mortar and artillery shelling along the Line of Control (LoC), targeting several sectors in Jammu and Kashmir, including Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar, and Rajouri. The cross-border aggression has led to the tragic death of 16 civilians, including five children and three women.
The Indian Armed Forces were compelled to respond with counter-fire to silence Pakistani positions and prevent further civilian casualties.
Reiterating its stance, India emphasized its commitment to non-escalation but warned that any further acts of aggression would be met with proportional and firm responses. [KNT]
