Pakistan’s Aerial Attacks Foiled by Indian Air Defences Amid Blackouts and Sirens; No Damage Reported, Retaliation Launched

New Delhi, May 9 – Aerial attacks by Pakistan targeting Jammu and several military stations near the western border were successfully intercepted by India’s air defence systems on Thursday night. The armed forces confirmed that no damage was caused.

The attempted strikes, involving both drones and missiles, triggered blackouts and sirens across multiple areas in Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan. Authorities urged residents to stay indoors and alert as emergency protocols were enacted. As a precaution, the IPL 2025 match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals at Dharamshala’s HPCA Stadium was called off midway.

According to the Integrated Defence Staff (IDS), military stations in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur—located near the International Boundary—were targeted. However, no losses were reported.

“Military stations of Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur in proximity to the International Boundary in J&K were targeted by Pakistan using missiles and drones. No losses. Threat neutralised by #IndianArmedForces as per SoP with kinetic and non-kinetic means,” the IDS stated on X.

Sources revealed that Indian air defences intercepted and neutralised several drones launched near Jammu airport, with no casualties reported. Additionally, eight missiles were destroyed mid-air near Jammu. A temporary power outage was reported at the Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi district, along with similar outages in Srinagar amid heightened security.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with the Directors General of border guarding forces to review the situation. He also contacted the CISF Director General regarding airport security and held discussions with J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and DGP Nalin Prabhat.

India has reportedly launched retaliatory strikes in response. An F-16 fighter jet of the Pakistan Air Force, which had taken off from Sargodha air base, was shot down near its launch site by an Indian surface-to-air missile, NDTV reported.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held discussions with counterparts from several countries, including the United States, reaffirming India’s determination to counter any attempts by Pakistan to escalate tensions.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged de-escalation, with his deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq stating:

“We encourage all efforts to de-escalate the situation and urge both India and Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint. The world cannot afford another conflict between India and Pakistan.”

Diplomatic efforts are underway, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaking to Pakistan PM Shahbaz Sharif and India’s EAM S. Jaishankar. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir were also in New Delhi on diplomatic missions.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan’s attempt to target 15 Indian cities was thwarted. According to Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Air Force Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, intended targets included Awantipora, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bathinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj. India’s integrated counter-UAS grid and air defences effectively neutralised all threats, with debris confirming the drones and missiles originated from Pakistani territory.

In a swift and forceful retaliation, Indian armed forces targeted and destroyed several Pakistani air defence assets, including a critical installation in Lahore. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s military initiated unprovoked shelling in the Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar, and Rajouri sectors of J&K using heavy artillery and mortars. Tragically, 16 civilians, including five children and three women, were killed. The Indian Army responded firmly and proportionately.

Earlier operations under Operation Sindoor saw India carry out precision airstrikes on nine terrorist camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, reportedly neutralising around 100 militants.