In a dramatic escalation along the western front, Indian Air Defence (AAD) units successfully intercepted and neutralized multiple Pakistani kamikaze drones over Amritsar early Saturday morning. The incursion, which began around 5:00 AM, involved several Byker YIHA III drones launched by Pakistan across the International Border, reportedly targeting civilian areas in Punjab.
According to defense sources, the Indian Army deployed quick-reaction air-defence guns strategically placed along the border. These units managed to destroy the drones mid-air, preventing debris from falling on residential zones and ensuring there were no casualties or property damage. Initial assessments revealed that the drones were equipped with high-explosive payloads, intended to cause maximum destruction—a move India condemned as a continuing provocation from Pakistan.
Tensions surged further when a series of loud explosions were reported in Srinagar later that morning. At approximately 11:45 AM, two significant blasts were heard near the city’s airport, accompanied by similar detonations earlier in the day near critical infrastructure points. Emergency sirens were activated in several parts of the city, and electricity was disrupted in portions of the Kashmir Valley. Authorities are still investigating the exact cause and have not confirmed any casualties at this time.
Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that Pakistan had initiated drone and missile attacks on Indian military positions across the western border. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi stated that Pakistan used a combination of loitering munitions, drones, long-range weapons, and fighter aircraft. She further noted that Indian forces had thwarted infiltration attempts at over 26 locations.
Responding to the attacks, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh announced that India had executed a calibrated and precise counter-strike, targeting only confirmed military installations in Pakistan. She refuted Pakistani claims of successful hits on Indian S-400 air defense systems and airfields at Suratgarh and Sirsa.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized that Pakistan’s aggression was the root cause of the current escalation. “It is Pakistani actions that have constituted provocation and escalation. In response, India has defended and reacted in a responsible and measured fashion,” he said.
