Pakistan missiles, drones intercepted by India's air defence systems in Jammu (WATCH)

Pakistani missiles intercepted by India's S-400 system over Jammu as the city plunges into blackout amid escalating cross-border tensions.

As tensions between India and Pakistan continue to rise, the Indian Air Defence systems successfully intercepted a series of loitering munitions launched by Pakistan targeting the Jammu region on Thursday. The precision of India’s response comes after a series of provocations, including a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, which led to India's Operation Sindoor that neutralized terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).

The Pakistani aerial threat, including loitering munitions, was intercepted by India's Integrated Counter-UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) Grid and Air Defence systems. The Indian Armed Forces effectively neutralized multiple incoming missiles and drones over sensitive military areas in Northern and Western India, including Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, and Srinagar. Following the interception, debris from these attacks was recovered from several locations, confirming Pakistan's attempted aggression.

In response to the ongoing threats, authorities enforced blackouts in Jammu Division, including Kishtwar and Akhnoor, as sirens echoed throughout the region, warning civilians of potential danger. Jammu city also experienced a total blackout.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri addressed the media on Thursday, emphasizing that India’s actions have been a direct response to Pakistan’s original escalation. He reiterated that India’s focus has been on targeting terrorist infrastructure and not civilian or military installations. "Our response has been restrained, targeted, and precise," Misri said, emphasizing that India’s aim was not to escalate the situation further but to address the escalating threats posed by Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s actions have intensified. On the night of May 7, Pakistani forces launched missiles and drones targeting several military sites in India, including regions such as Awantipura, Jammu, and Pathankot. However, these were intercepted and neutralized by India’s defense systems.

The Defence Ministry confirmed on Thursday that Indian Armed Forces retaliated by targeting Pakistan’s Air Defence systems and radars. Reports suggest that one such system near Lahore was neutralized in the strike. India’s forces have also been engaged in responding to unprovoked mortar and artillery fire from Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC), particularly in areas like Kupwara, Uri, Poonch, and Rajouri.

Tragically, 16 civilians, including three women and five children, lost their lives due to the Pakistani shelling. The Indian Armed Forces have reiterated their commitment to non-escalation, but stressed that any further attacks would be met with proportional responses.