India thwarted over 600 missiles, drone attacks on Gujarat Frontier; 40% of them in state itself: BSF IG
More than 600 aerial attacks in the form of missiles and drones were thwarted by security forces on the southern end of India's border with Pakistan, comprising Bhuj sector in Gujarat and Barmer sector in Rajasthan, earlier this month, Abhishek Pathak, the Inspector General (IG) of the Gujarat Frontier of the Border Security Force (BSF), said on Friday.
The Indian forces either destroyed or forced the missiles and drones to turn back with no harm caused to civilians and no damage to infrastructure, the IG said during a press conference held by the BSF at the Gujarat Frontier Headquarters in Gandhinagar.
The Gujarat Frontier of the BSF, part of its Western Command, is responsible for maintaining watch over the Bhuj Sector and the Barmer Sector.
When asked by The Indian Express to share a break-up of the number of attempted attacks over the skies of Gujarat itself, IG Pathak said, 'About 40% of the attacks were in Gujarat while the rest were in the Barmer sector (of Rajasthan).'
When asked about the type of drones and missiles deployed by Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, IG Pathak said the investigation was still underway into their make and type.
IG Pathak said that Pakistan had even deployed tanks and heavy artillery at the border. He said everything was being analysed to 'improve our response next time'.
'We learnt that Pakistan had not only increased manpower along the border, but also deployed heavy artillery and tanks in forward areas. In view of this situation, the BSF along with the Army, the Navy and the Air Force completed its preparations and officials also visited border areas to brief the personnel and review the preparations,' Pathak said.
Speaking about BSF's preparations, Pathak said Gujarat Frontier had deployed 'high-calibre weapons and surveillance equipment' at all the border posts after getting inputs about Pakistan army's mobilisation.
Regarding the intruder from Pakistan who was shot and killed on May 23 while attempting to cross the international border, IG Pathak said that according to the Rules of Engagement (ROE), he was challenged and asked to stop his advance but he did not, leading to the BSF troops firing and killing him on the spot.
'We have shared his photograph with Pakistan. We did not find any identification documents on his person and we are still waiting to see whether they (Pakistan) will claim his body,' said Pathak.
(With PTI Inputs)
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