Jammu faced a blackout late on Thursday evening after India's security forces detected Pakistani drones near the city's heavily guarded airport, officials said. It was not known during the time of compiling this report whether the airport, which also houses an Indian Air Force (IAF) station, was breached by the projectiles. Sirens were sounded in Akhnoor while a complete blackout is in place in Kishtwar, Samba and Udhampur among other places.
Pakistan also increased the intensity of its unprovoked firing across the Line of Control using mortars and heavy calibre artillery in areas in Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar and Rajouri sectors, news agency PTI reported.
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Jammu plunged into darkness with electricity, which snapped soon after two powerful explosions were heard in the vicinity of the airport. The Pak missiles were aimed at key locations, including Satwari (Jammu Airport), Samba, RS Pura, and Arnia, PTI said in a report. The PRO Defence Jammu said on X, "Military stations at Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur were targeted by Pakistani-origin drones and missiles along the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir today."
"The threats were swiftly neutralised using kinetic and non-kinetic capabilities in line with established Standard Operating Procedures. No casualties or material losses were reported. India remains fully prepared to defend its sovereignty and ensure the safety of its people," it added.
Officials said counter-measures have been initiated and a few Pakistani drones were downed by the Indian anti-drone system. The sources confirmed the activation of air defence protocols, resulting in the downing of several Pakistani drones by the Indian Air Defence System.
According to some eyewitnesses, one of the drones was seen dropping outside the airport.
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"Sounds of shelling and firing can be heard. Smoke was seen in the sky. There is a complete blackout. We have full faith in our army," a Jammu resident was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
There were also potential sightings of hostile drones along India's western border, which were successfully thwarted.
