In the latest episode of escalating hostilities, the Indian armed forces successfully intercepted and destroyed multiple Pakistani drones and ballistic missiles targeting Indian territory, including an attempted strike on the national capital. Early Saturday morning, a fleet of explosive-laden drones intruded into Indian airspace over Amritsar, prompting swift action from Indian defence units that neutralized the threat. As tensions mount, India retaliated by striking key Pakistani military installations, including three major airbases.
Pakistani Drones Downed Over Amritsar
The situation intensified around 5 am on Saturday when several Byker YIHA III Kamikaze drones were detected flying over Khasa Cantonment in Amritsar. Indian Army air defence teams immediately engaged and shot down the intruding drones. The Army described the attack as a blatant provocation by Pakistan, calling it an unacceptable breach of sovereignty and civilian safety. The Indian Army emphasized that such hostile attempts will be met with decisive force.
This incident follows a series of provocations from Pakistan under its so-called ‘Operation Bunyanun Marsoos’. In an alarming move, Pakistan launched Fatah-II ballistic missiles aimed at Indian military bases and urban centres, including a missile targeted at New Delhi that was successfully intercepted over Sirsa, Haryana. India’s air defence systems responded swiftly, neutralizing all incoming threats without civilian casualties.
India Strikes Back After IMF Bailout to Pakistan
Top government sources suggested that Pakistan escalated its offensive only after securing a $1 billion disbursement from the International Monetary Fund. The clearance of Pakistan’s airspace early Saturday, in contrast to its closure on Friday, indicated calculated timing behind its large-scale operation. In response to the aggression, India launched precise retaliatory strikes targeting Pakistan’s key airbases.
Indian air raids were carried out on the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, Rafiqi Airbase in Shorkot, and Murid Airbase in Chakwal. Explosions were also reported in Pakistan’s major cities, including Islamabad and Lahore. These strikes were seen as a direct response to Pakistan’s missile and drone aggression.
List of Airports Temporarily Closed in Pakistan
Amid rising tensions, Pakistan temporarily shut down major airports to protect strategic infrastructure. The airports affected include Islamabad International Airport, Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport, Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, Sialkot International Airport, Peshawar’s Bacha Khan International Airport, and Quetta International Airport.
