Escalation Intensifies: Pakistan Launches Coordinated Drone and Artillery Attacks Across Multiple Indian Border States
In a significant escalation of hostilities, Pakistan has intensified its military offensive against India, launching sustained heavy artillery shelling and a massive drone campaign across several Indian states along the International Border (IB) and Line of Control (LoC) for the second consecutive night.
The coordinated attacks targeted civilian and military areas, sparking widespread tension and emergency responses across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and even Gujarat.
Widespread Drone Intrusions: 26 Incidents Reported Across Four States
One of the most alarming developments in the latest wave of hostilities has been the deployment of drones by Pakistan.
Indian defence sources confirmed that at least 26 drones were sighted across multiple strategic locations, ranging from Baramulla in North Kashmir to Bhuj in Gujarat, signaling a deliberate effort to probe Indian defences and potentially target critical infrastructure.
In Punjab, particularly in Amritsar, as many as 15 drones were reportedly spotted within a few hours. Most of them were successfully neutralised by Indian air defence systems.
The city was immediately placed under a red alert, and security forces conducted aerial and ground surveillance to prevent further incursions.
In Rajasthan, the desert sectors of Jaisalmer and Barmer witnessed nine confirmed drone intrusions, with Indian forces successfully shooting down multiple UAVs.
Local authorities in Barmer confirmed the neutralisation of one drone that had entered Indian airspace under the cover of darkness.
Meanwhile, in Gujarat’s Bhuj region, drone sightings triggered a swift military response, though no official reports of damage or casualties were released.
Cross-Border Shelling Expands to Punjab, Rajasthan, and J&K
Parallel to the drone threat, Pakistan continued heavy artillery shelling, violating the ceasefire along the LoC and IB.
The Pakistani Army intensified its assault in Jammu and Kashmir, hitting forward positions and civilian areas in Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Rajouri, Poonch, and Samba districts.
In Kupwara, residents were forced into bunkers as heavy artillery fire rained down through the night. Similar scenes unfolded in Baramulla, which was plunged into a complete blackout after a series of explosions rocked the area. Emergency sirens were sounded, and security forces moved to evacuate vulnerable civilians.
The Uri sector, already reeling from previous attacks, was again targeted. Indian forces successfully intercepted and destroyed up to 10 drones in this region, preventing potential strikes on civilian and military infrastructure.
In Poonch district, Pakistan violated the ceasefire agreement in Shahpur Kerni and Deghwar sub-sectors, launching a sustained mortar assault. The shelling caused widespread panic, and Indian Army units responded with precision strikes on Pakistani positions.
Punjab and Rajasthan Also Face Intense Hostilities
Beyond Jammu and Kashmir, the states of Punjab and Rajasthan were drawn into the intensifying conflict. In Firozpur, Punjab, three civilians were injured after a Pakistani drone was shot down, and its debris ignited a fire in a residential home. Emergency services rushed to the site and brought the blaze under control.
Pathankot, another high-security zone in Punjab, came under direct shelling, prompting lockdowns in border villages. In Gurdaspur, a loud explosion was reported near the border, though authorities are still assessing the source and damage.
Pokhran, a key military zone in Rajasthan, also witnessed intense aerial activity. Several Pakistani drones were intercepted in the skies above the region as Indian air defence systems went into high operational readiness.
Handwara and Rajouri: Ground Zero for Drone Warfare
In Handwara’s Nowgam region of north Kashmir, Pakistan launched a heavy drone offensive, with UAVs spotted hovering near key security installations. This was accompanied by low-flying reconnaissance drones, likely intended to guide artillery fire or conduct surveillance.
Similarly, in Rajouri, multiple drone sightings triggered a swift counter-operation by Indian forces. Anti-drone units and snipers were deployed, and tracking systems were activated to locate and neutralise aerial threats.
India Responds with Heightened Security and Retaliation
The Indian Armed Forces have responded to these provocations with measured but firm military action, intercepting aerial threats and targeting Pakistani artillery and drone launch positions across the border.
Army units remain on high alert along all sensitive sectors, and additional reinforcements have been deployed to bolster defences and manage civilian safety.
Intelligence agencies are also investigating whether these drone intrusions were part of a coordinated terror infiltration effort, especially following India’s recent strike on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under Operation Sindoor.
Summary of Developments:
- 26 drone sightings across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
- 15 drones spotted in Amritsar alone; most neutralised.
- Heavy shelling reported in Kupwara, Uri, Baramulla, Poonch, Samba, Pathankot, and Rajouri.
- Firozpur fire incident caused by drone debris; three civilians injured.
- Multiple drones were shot down in Jaisalmer, Barmer, Pokhran, and Uri.
- Blackouts were enforced in Baramulla and other areas amid artillery fire.
- Indian forces are on high alert, responding with proportionate force.
As hostilities continue to escalate, Indian defence and intelligence establishments remain engaged in round-the-clock surveillance and countermeasures.
The situation remains volatile, with both military and civilian establishments under increased threat from Pakistan’s expanding tactics involving both conventional and unmanned warfare.
