Srinagar: Multiple explosions were heard in Srinagar early Saturday morning after Pakistan attacked several key defence facilities with drones. The city has been put on high alert following last night’s aerial incursion.
This comes after India struck three airbases in Pakistan: Nur Khan in Chaklala, Rawalpindi district, Murid in Chakwal district, and Rafiqui in Shorkot, Jhang district. Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has confirmed the attack, blaming it on Indian missiles. A press briefing will be held later today in New Delhi, in light of the ISPR’s confirmation.
According to the Ministry of Defence, Pakistani drones – including suspected armed ones – were sited at 26 locations on 9 May, along the International Border and Line of Control (LoC). The locations include Baramulla, Srinagar, Avantipora, Nagrota, Jammu, Ferozpur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Lalgarh Jatta, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bhuj, Kuarbet and Lakhi Nala. Administrations in various border districts have temporarily shut schools and colleges as a precaution, while civil flight operations have been suspended at about 32 airports. Citizens have been advised to stay indoors.
“The Indian Armed Forces are maintaining a high state of alert, and all such aerial threats are being tracked and engaged using counter-drone systems. The situation is under close and constant watch & prompt action is being taken wherever necessary,” the defence ministry noted in its post on X.
These explosions come amid heightened escalation between India and Pakistan after Operation Sindoor, with Pakistan launching many drone attacks in Indian border districts on Friday night and Saturday morning. Indian air defences warded off the attacks.
(Edited by Zoya Bhatti)