In a major success, the Indian Armed Forces tonight successfully destroyed all missiles and drones fired by Pakistan targeting military stations at Jammu, Udhampur and Pathankot along the International Border in Jammu using S-400 missile defence systems, Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAM) and Integrated Counter Unmanned (ICM) aircraft system.
This was the first major attack on Jammu by Pakistan in which they fired missiles and drones directed at Satwari, Samba, RS Pura and Arnia in Jammu district besides Udhampur and Pathankot targeting the military stations around 8 pm. Sirens again echoed and blackout was enforced at 2.15 am but there was no confirmation of any attack immediately.
The Indian Armed forces, which were maintaining very high alert in Jammu and Kashmir following military strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK, immediately activated the S-400 missile defence systems, surface-to-air missiles and the integrated counter unmanned aircraft system and shot down all missiles and drones in mid-air, thus, thwarting the Pakistani attempts to harm security establishments, between 8 pm to 8.30 pm.
The attack continued nearly 30 minutes and was watched by large numbers of people from their rooftops despite complete blackout in most parts of the region as sirens echoed following the Pakistani strikes
At least eight missiles fired by Pakistan were destroyed midair while number of drones couldn’t be ascertained immediately but all of them were shot by the Indian defence systems which was in place at all major places in anticipation of Pakistan attack.
Debris of missiles and drones were found at many places.
However, there were no casualties or damage anywhere in the Jammu region in Pakistan’s missile and drones attacks. All military as well as civil installations were fully safe and working
“Military stations at Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur were targeted by Pakistani-origin drones and missiles along the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir today,” a Defence Ministry spokesperson said.
He said the threats were swiftly neutralized using kinetic and non-kinetic capabilities in line with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), adding no casualties or material losses were reported.
“India remains fully prepared to defend its sovereignty and ensure the safety of its people,” the Defence Ministry said.
Drawing a parallel to the tactics of the Palestinian Hamas terror group, the sources said all “cheap” rockets directed at the Jammu region were successfully intercepted and neutralized by Air Defence Units.
The missiles were aimed at key locations, including Satwari (Jammu Airport), Samba, RS Pura, and Arnia.
The sources said that the Pakistani army has been operating in a manner akin to a terror organization like Hamas and referred to a meeting between Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Hamas operatives in Pakistan occupied Jammu Kashmir last month.
There were also potential sightings of hostile drones along India’s western border, which were successfully thwarted.
A blackout was immediately enforced into Jammu city and many other areas following two loud explosions as Indian Air Defence systems intercepted missiles and drones, launched by Pakistan. Immediately after, sirens echoed throughout the city, alerting residents to seek shelter.
It couldn’t be ascertained immediately from where the drones and missiles were launched but areas opposite Makwal in Satwari, RS Pura and Arnia are closest along the International Border with Pakistan
The aerial objects had attempted to strike the strategic Jammu airport and its surrounding areas, which house Army, IAF, and paramilitary installations. The NSG has been deployed at Jammu Airport which is closed since yesterday morning.
The sources confirmed the activation of air defence protocols, resulting in the downing of several Pakistani drones by the Indian Air Defence System.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that one of the drones was seen falling outside the airport premises. Locals said they also saw debris falling at Kakryal in Katra and Garhi in Udhampur besides other places. However, these reports are yet to be confirmed but, as per the officials, the debris can fall anywhere after missiles and drones are intercepted by the defence systems.
Residents of Jammu city were seen perching from their balconies to observe the aerial activity, including flares lighting up the night sky, as Pakistani missiles and drones were downed by the Indian Armed Forces. People were seen making videos and uploading them on social media.
Sources described intercepting all missiles and drones fired by Pakistan as a great success of the Indian Armed Forces and they not only saved their installations but also the civilian areas nearby.
There was jubilation among the people of Jammu as soon as they recognized that major missile attacks by Pakistan on defence and other installations in Jammu have been successfully thwarted without any casualties or damage.
Soon after the missile attacks, Pakistan army and Rangers started shelling and firing at multiple places on the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border in the Jammu region. Indian troops retaliated shelling and firing very effectively.
Intense shelling was reported in Rajouri and Poonch sectors.
Authorities have already evacuated civilians from some of the forward areas on both LoC and International Border to safer areas.
There were reports of Pakistani drones being shot in some other parts of the region also.
