Foreign Ministry briefing at 9 am as Pak's missile, drone attacks foiled: Sources
The Ministry of External Affairs is expected to hold a media briefing today, sources said, following a major escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan. On Thursday, Pakistan launched a series of missiles and drone attacks targeting several regions in India, including Jammu, Rajasthan, and Punjab. All incoming threats were successfully thwarted by India's defence forces, preventing large-scale damage and loss of life.advertisementThe provocation came just a day after India carried out precision strikes on terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack. As tensions flared, Pakistan attempted to strike back by launching a barrage of missiles and deploying drones across the Line of Control and international borders.India's response was swift and effective. The country's air defence systems intercepted at least eight incoming missiles, while fighter jets shot down a Pakistani F-16 and possibly two JF-17 aircraft.
Drones were also intercepted near key installations, including Jammu University, Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, and Pathankot in Punjab. One drone managed to strike Jammu Civil Airport, while others were taken down mid-air.Sirens blared across several cities, including Chandigarh, as air raid alerts were sounded and complete blackouts were enforced in Jammu and select regions of Punjab and Rajasthan. Red flares and the sound of explosions pierced the night as both nations appeared to edge closer to open conflict. A similar blackout was also observed across parts of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.advertisementMeanwhile, over 50 Pakistani drones were destroyed during a large-scale counter-drone operation conducted by Indian security forces. Surface-to-air missile defence systems, including Akash, MRSAM, and Zu-23, were rapidly deployed by the Indian Army and Air Force to safeguard critical areas.In a tragic consequence of cross-border shelling that resumed after a brief pause, a woman identified was killed, and another civilian was injured in the Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district. Their vehicle, travelling from Razerwani to Baramulla, was struck by a shell near Mohura.As Pakistan continued to violate the ceasefire and target civilian zones, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri reiterated India's stance, saying, "Pakistan escalated the situation, we merely responded. The choice to de-escalate rests with Pakistan."
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