New Delhi: India launched missile strikes on Lahore and dismantled Pakistan’s air defence systems in Faisalabad on Thursday, following a wave of cross-border missile and drone attacks by Pakistan. According to an official statement from the Indian Army, Pakistan had launched drone and missile strikes across various points along India’s western borders.
Earlier that evening, eight Pakistani missiles were fired toward key locations including Satwari, Samba, RS Pura, and Arnia. Indian air defence systems successfully intercepted and neutralised all incoming threats.
In response, India targeted terror-linked infrastructure inside Pakistan, including strikes in Lahore and on air defence units in Faisalabad. Indian forces also reported intercepting Pakistani drones over Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. Loud explosions and bright flashes were observed during the interceptions.
Several regions, including Bikaner (Rajasthan), Jalandhar (Punjab), Kishtwar, Akhnoor, Samba, Jammu, and Amritsar, were placed under blackout orders as precautionary measures amid heightened tensions.
Pakistan further escalated hostilities by deploying loitering munitions over Jammu. Indian Air Defence guns actively responded to the incoming threats.
These developments come in the wake of Operation Sindoor, India’s military operation targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), launched after the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.
At a special press briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that India’s actions are in direct response to Pakistan’s provocation. “The original escalation was by Pakistan on April 22. Our response has been restrained and focused on non-civilian, non-military targets specifically, terror camps. Any further escalation from Pakistan will continue to be met with an appropriate response,” Misri said.
The government reiterated that India does not seek escalation, but reserves the right to defend itself decisively against any attacks on its territory or military establishments.