India strongly condemned Pakistan on Friday for launching a coordinated aerial assault that involved drone intrusions, heavy artillery shelling, and a failed attempt to target a military station. The Pakistani army violated Indian airspace and carried out attacks along the Line of Control (LoC) on the night of May 7-8, prompting India to respond with precise countermeasures.
The violations, which stretched across a broad geographical range from Leh to Sir Creek, were part of a large-scale attack that targeted both military infrastructure and civilian sites. India’s foreign ministry and military officials held a press briefing detailing the extent of the attack and the subsequent retaliation.
Key Details from the Press Briefing:
1. Drone Intrusions:
“On the night of May 7 and 8, the Pakistani army violated Indian airspace several times over the entire western border with the intention of targeting military infrastructure. Around 300 to 400 drones were used to attempt infiltration at 36 locations. The possible purpose of such large-scale aerial intrusions was to test air defence systems and collect intelligence,” said Colonel Sofiya Qureshi.
The drones used in the attack have been identified as Turkish Asisguard Songar drones, and forensic investigations are underway to confirm further details.
2. Targeting Bhatinda Military Station:
Later in the night, Pakistan attempted to target the Bhatinda military station using an armed UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle), but the attack was successfully detected and neutralised.
“An armed UAV of Pakistan attempted to target Bhatinda military station, which was detected and neutralised,” said Wing Commander Vyomika Singh.
3. Counterattack by India:
In response, India launched armed drones targeting four air defence sites in Pakistan, one of which successfully destroyed an air defence radar.
4. Shelling Along LoC:
Pakistan also escalated tensions by carrying out artillery shelling across the LoC using heavy-caliber artillery guns at Uri, Poonch, Mendhar, Rajouri, Akhnoor, and Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir. The shelling resulted in casualties, with some Indian Army personnel injured.
5. Civilian Casualties and Targeting of Religious Sites:
“The shell fired from Pakistan landed just behind the Christ School in Poonch. The shell hit the home of two students of the school, who tragically lost their lives, and their parents sustained injuries. Several school staff and locals took refuge in an underground hall of the school during the shelling,” said Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
Pakistan’s targeting of religious sites during the attacks was also condemned. Vikram Misri emphasized that Pakistan was shelling places of worship, including gurdwaras, churches, and temples. “This is a new low even for Pakistan,” Misri added.
Additionally, Pakistan attempted to spread disinformation, falsely accusing India of targeting the Nankana Sahib Gurudwara with a drone. “This is again a lie and part of Pakistan’s disinformation campaign,” said Misri.
6. International Response:
Misri also mentioned that India would present its case during the ongoing International Monetary Fund (IMF) meeting. “Our perspective on these things will be shared with the fellow members,” he said, signaling that India would engage the international community over Pakistan’s actions.
