New Delhi, May 8 – India on Thursday confirmed that it successfully thwarted Pakistan’s attempts to launch drone and missile strikes on 15 key locations across northern and western India, including Jammu, Amritsar, Chandigarh, and Bhuj. In retaliation, the Indian Armed Forces destroyed an air defense system in Lahore, escalating tensions amid fears of a broader conflict.
As per agency report, the Indian Ministry of Defence revealed that the Pakistani military attempted to target strategic locations such as Avantipora, Srinagar, Pathankot, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, and several others using unmanned aerial vehicles and missiles. These attacks, however, were neutralized by India’s integrated counter-drone and air defense systems.
The Pakistani offensive came in response to India’s precision missile strikes conducted early Wednesday under ‘Operation Sindoor’, which targeted nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), including the Jaish-e-Mohammed stronghold in Bahawalpur.
In a statement, the Defence Ministry emphasized that India’s anti-terror operation was deliberate, precise, and unprovoked, strictly avoiding any military installations in Pakistan. However, it reiterated that any attack on Indian military bases would be met with an appropriate and firm response.
On Thursday morning, Indian forces launched a targeted counterstrike, disabling several Pakistani radar and air defense systems. Confirmed reports indicate that an air defense unit in Lahore was successfully taken out. The ministry described this as a strong and proportional response to Pakistan’s provocation.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has intensified unprovoked cross-border shelling using mortars and heavy artillery along the Line of Control (LoC) in sectors including Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar, and Rajouri. According to the Indian government, these attacks have resulted in the deaths of 16 innocent civilians, including three women and five children.
In light of these developments, India reiterated its commitment to avoid further escalation, provided that Pakistan ceases its military provocations. The Defence Ministry noted that Indian forces were compelled to respond to continued Pakistani shelling to protect civilian lives.
Earlier, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had stated that India was forced to launch proportionate strikes after Pakistan failed to act against terrorist infrastructure within its territory, following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 Indian civilians.
As tensions continue to rise, both nations remain on high alert, with India maintaining its stance of measured retaliation aimed solely at dismantling terror operations, while holding Pakistan accountable for any further escalation.
