Escalating Tensions: Pakistan Attacks Civilians, India Retaliates with Air Strikes
Civilians Caught in the Crossfire
Pakistan’s unprovoked aggression continues, with residential areas in Jammu coming under fire. Reports indicate damage to several homes and vehicles, raising concerns about the safety of civilians. This incident follows a drone strike by Pakistan in Punjab’s Ferozepur district just hours earlier, injuring three members of a family.
India Responds with Force
India responded swiftly and decisively to the provocations. Sources reveal that Indian forces conducted precision strikes on four key Pakistani airbases overnight, inflicting significant damage on military installations and assets. The targeted facilities include Noor Khan in Rawalpindi, Murid in Chakwal, and Rafiqui in Shorkot. In addition, India targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir’s Neelam Valley and key military positions in Sialkot.
Pakistan Closes Airspace
As a consequence of these strikes, Pakistan responded by closing its airspace until noon on Saturday. PIA218, a Pakistan International Airlines flight en route to Peshawar, was the last aircraft to depart Pakistani airspace and was forced to circle over Quetta. Reports of explosions in major Pakistani cities, including Islamabad and Lahore, further heightened tensions.
Indian Defences Remain Strong
Indian air defence capabilities, including the S-400, Akashteer, L-70, Zu-23, and Schilka systems, are fully deployed and effectively countering incoming threats. Defence sources confirmed that Pakistani posts and terrorist launch pads near Jammu, used to launch tube-launched drones, were also destroyed by Indian forces.
Heavy Artillery Shelling and Casualties
Heavy artillery shelling commenced in Naushera around 5 am, with continued fire exchanges reported between Indian and Pakistani forces over Srinagar and adjacent areas. Surface-to-air missile systems have been activated in the region to bolster defences. Tragically, Additional District Development Commissioner of Rajouri, Raj Kumar Thappa, was killed after his residence was struck by Pakistani shelling. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the officer, who had accompanied him just a day earlier.
A Tense Standoff Continues
The situation remains tense as both India and Pakistan engage in fierce military exchanges. The escalating conflict poses a grave threat to regional stability and the safety of civilians caught in the crossfire.
