NEW DELHI: Multiple districts across Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan witnessed loud explosions, aerial threats, and prolonged blackouts on Thursday night and early Friday morning. This wave of attacks and countermeasures came just hours after India successfully thwarted Pakistan’s attempt to target military installations using swarm drones and missiles.
Between 3:50 am and 4:45 am on Friday, explosions rocked Jammu city, triggering panic and a complete power blackout. Sirens blared, and residents reported flying objects later confirmed to be loitering munitions being intercepted by the Indian Army’s Air Defence units. Eyewitnesses described smoke in the sky and retaliatory firing by Indian forces. Videos circulated on social media showed drones being neutralized mid-air.
Sources confirmed that over 50 Pakistani drones were downed in a large-scale counter-drone operation conducted by Indian forces on Wednesday night. The operation spanned critical border areas including Udhampur, Samba, Akhnoor, Nagrota, Jammu, and Pathankot. Additionally, Pakistan launched eight missiles targeting the Satwari, RS Pura, Samba, and Arnia sectors—all of which were intercepted successfully.
Security forces were also put on high alert after ceasefire violations and cross-border shelling were reported from Poonch, Rajouri, and Jammu. In light of the heightened threat, authorities ordered the closure of all educational institutions in Jammu & Kashmir.
In Punjab, blackouts were enforced across Amritsar, Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Jalandhar, and Hoshiarpur, starting from 8:30 pm on Thursday. Explosions and aerial sightings triggered emergency protocols. In Bathinda, blasts near the National Fertilizers Limited (NFL) plant prompted an immediate investigation. Security drills were conducted in Kapurthala and Phagwara, and hospitals were ordered to maintain backup power and emergency resources.
In Jalandhar, another drone intrusion was foiled in the Maqsudan-Suranasi area. In Amritsar, residents reported seeing fireballs and hearing at least six loud explosions. Debris believed to be missile fragments was discovered in multiple villages, including Makhanwindi and Jethuwal. Authorities, while maintaining secrecy about exact recovery locations, confirmed that Army personnel were dispatched for investigation.
Rajasthan, too, faced drone activity and loud explosions, particularly in Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and other border districts. Blackouts were immediately enforced as a precaution. A resident from Jaisalmer said,
“We thought it was firecrackers, but later realized it was a real bomb. Thankfully, all drones were neutralized. We are not scared.”
India’s military leadership confirmed that Pakistani drones and missiles were aimed at military stations in Jammu, Udhampur, and Pathankot, but all were successfully neutralized using kinetic and non-kinetic means. According to the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, there were “no losses,” and standard operating procedures were followed precisely.
The wave of Pakistani aggression is widely seen as a retaliation for India’s Operation Sindoor, launched after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. In this precision strike operation, India hit nine terror infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The Ministry of Home Affairs and Defence is closely monitoring the situation. Union Home Minister Amit Shah held an emergency meeting with border-guarding force chiefs and airport security officials. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma also conducted a high-level review.
Despite the tension, residents across affected regions expressed unwavering faith in the armed forces. “Our Army is giving a befitting reply,” said a local from Jammu. Another resident said,
“Attacking civilians is cowardice. They don’t dare to face our soldiers.”
As of Friday morning, security remains on high alert, with blackouts continuing across sensitive zones until further notice. The situation remains volatile, with both nations accusing each other of escalation.
