Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated sharply after a series of cross-border incidents, including a drone attack near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Early Thursday, an attempt by a Pakistani drone to enter Indian airspace near Jaisalmer was thwarted by the Indian Armed Forces. This incident is part of a broader pattern of increased cross-border incursions and military provocations.
Defense sources indicate that the drone was intercepted using advanced electronic surveillance jamming, which prevented it from reaching its intended target. The incident in Jaisalmer was one of four intrusion attempts reported across Rajasthan, including incidents at Nal in Bikaner, Uttarlai in Barmer, and Phalodi in Jodhpur.
The attempted drone infiltration follows a night of significant cross-border escalation on May 7-8, during which Pakistan launched coordinated drone and missile strikes targeting multiple military installations across northern and western India. Cities targeted included Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, and Bhuj. India's Integrated Counter UAS Grid and Air Defence systems effectively neutralized these attacks, with debris recovered from several locations confirming the attempted strikes.
In response to these attacks, Indian forces reportedly targeted Pakistani air defense systems, including the HQ-9 long-range surface-to-air missile system of Chinese origin, a critical component of Pakistan's air defense network. An air defense radar system near Lahore was reportedly neutralized in the operation.
Adding to the heightened tensions, Pakistan has intensified artillery fire along the Line of Control (LoC), targeting civilian areas in Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar, and Rajouri sectors of Jammu and Kashmir. These actions have resulted in the deaths of sixteen civilians, including three women and five children.
Amid the escalating conflict, India Today reported strikes launched from Pakistan towards the Jammu airstrip, with eight missiles and three drones intercepted by India's S-400 defense systems. They also reported a drone hitting the Jammu airport, and drone interceptions in Jaisalmer and Pathankot. Zee Business reported that the Indian Army successfully intercepted drone and missile attacks in several parts of Jammu and Kashmir and Rajasthan on Thursday evening.
Republic World reported that eight missiles launched by Pakistan, aimed at Satwari, Samba, RS Pura & Arnia, were intercepted by India, and that Pakistani drones were being intercepted in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, leading to a blackout.
The current series of events follows India's recent "Operation Sindoor," a precision strike campaign targeting terrorist hideouts within Pakistan. Sources suggest that this operation resulted in the killing of approximately 100 terrorists.
In light of the escalating tensions, the Union Home Ministry has directed all District Collectors to coordinate with the Indian Army and central agencies. Security has been tightened in Rajasthan’s border districts, including Barmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, and Jaisalmer. Hospitals have been instructed to remain fully equipped, schools up to Class 12 are closed, exams are canceled, and measures are being taken to ensure emergency supplies, fuel stocks, and evacuation protocols are in place.
