In a huge ramp-up along the India-Pakistan border, Pakistan on May 7-8 launched a major attack in a massive scale assault on Indian military bases at 26 locations along Northern and Western India. The cities that came under attack were Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, among others, via drones and speed missiles.
Indian defense air systems, including the Integrated Counter UAS Grid, neutralized most of the incoming missiles and drones effectively. Remains of these sorties are being reclaimed as proof of the failed infiltrations.
In response, Indian military units carried out targeted attacks early Saturday morning, targeting and disabling Pakistani air defense radars and technical facilities at several locations, including a major air defense system in Lahore. At least four Pakistani air bases-Nur Khan, Murid, Rafiqui, and others-are said to have been targeted, creating several explosions and heavy damage to military installations.
Pakistan also stepped up artillery and mortar shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, targeting civilian settlements and claiming the unfortunate lives of sixteen Indians, including women and children. India retaliated with proportionate artillery fire, inflicting heavy damage on Pakistani army posts and terrorist launch pads.
Reports suggest Pakistan deployed approximately 400 Turkish Asisguard Songar drones at a bid to cross Indian airspace at 36 points, between Leh and Sir Creek, trying to probe Indian air defenses as well as try to gather intel. Most of the drones were downed by Indian forces.
Indian officials emphasized that the response was focused, measured, and non-escalatory, reiterating a commitment to avoid further escalation provided Pakistan ceases its provocations. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs and Defense Ministry both confirmed that Indian actions were proportionate and strictly targeted military objectives.
Despite the intensity of the conflict, Pakistan did not close its civil airspace during the attacks, drawing criticism from Indian officials for risking civilian safety.
Summary
The last 48 hours have witnessed the most heavy military engagement between India and Pakistan in recent memory. Pakistan's simultaneous drone and missile attack against Indian military as well as civilian targets was matched by a timely and forceful Indian retaliation under Operation Sindoor. Indian commandos attacked Pakistani radar installations and technical centers, causing significant losses while adopting the posture of retaliation in measured amounts. Both sides have suffered casualties, civilians caught in the crossfire amidst tragedy. Indian officials have maintained their resolve on non-escalation, based on Pakistan not making further incursions.
Sources: Press Information Bureau, Times of India, NDTV, NewsOnAir, New Indian Express
