Pakistan’s Escalation Attempt in Jammu: Missiles and Drones Intercepted as Civilian Areas Come Under Attack

In a disturbing escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan, a fresh wave of missile and drone attacks was launched at Jammu city, near the highly sensitive Jammu Airport, late Thursday evening. The Indian military swiftly responded, intercepting eight missiles aimed at civilian and military targets, including the Satwari, Samba, RS Pura, and Arnia regions. The terrifying events not only triggered loud explosions but also caused widespread panic, leaving residents of Jammu in shock as they witnessed the rapid countermeasures in place.

Around 8:15 PM, residents of Jammu heard multiple loud bangs followed by the sighting of red balls in the sky. The attack, which involved a mix of drones and missiles, targeted various locations within close proximity to the Jammu Airport and the Sunjuwan military base. The first wave of explosions set off air defence alarms and brought the region into complete blackout as part of countermeasures.

A local resident, Akhil Razdan, from Greater Kailash, located approximately 7 km from Jammu Airport, reported seeing at least eight red balls soaring across the night sky. Initially mistaken for firecrackers, Razdan quickly realized it was a missile or drone attack, which was intercepted by Indian air defence systems almost immediately. “It looked like a drone attack from across the border, which our air defence systems intercepted,” he recounted.

The sequence of attacks continued in waves, with explosions resounding through the sky near critical areas, including the Sunjuwan military base. A total of eight explosions were reported, as air defence systems intercepted missiles directed at several key locations in Jammu and its surroundings.

As soon as the attacks began, the Indian military activated countermeasures. The skies were filled with red interceptors designed to block the incoming missiles. Along with these interceptors, electricity in the entire region was abruptly cut off, and air raid sirens blared, adding to the chaos. Residents were left in a state of shock and confusion, with many heard screaming as the interceptors destroyed the incoming missiles.

According to reports, the attack involved at least five waves of missile and drone strikes, with the final wave starting at 9:22 PM. Despite the severity of the situation, the swift and coordinated response of India’s air defence systems successfully thwarted the Pakistani attempt to cause damage.

This incident marks a disturbing shift in the nature of attacks launched by Pakistan. Unlike previous military-targeted strikes, Pakistan attempted to hit civilian areas, a clear indication of its intent to escalate tensions further. The Indian military’s successful interception of these missiles not only highlights its growing capabilities in countering such threats but also underscores the increasingly volatile situation along the border.

Indian defence sources have expressed concern over the manner in which Pakistan has escalated its actions. They likened the attack to tactics used by terrorist organizations, drawing comparisons to Hamas-style rocket attacks seen in Israel. This parallel raises alarms, as it suggests that Pakistan’s military may be operating in a manner similar to non-state actors, with a disregard for civilian safety.

It was revealed that in recent developments, Pakistan’s intelligence agency, ISI, met with Hamas operatives in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, further fueling concerns of a growing nexus between the two groups. The nature of the missile and drone attacks further signals a potential alignment of such terror-based strategies.

The attempted missile and drone strikes on Jammu are not just another chapter in the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan, but a concerning escalation that targets civilian areas, showing a marked shift in the enemy’s approach. The swift interception by India’s air defence systems averted potential disaster, but the tension continues to rise, leaving both the people of Jammu and the military forces on high alert.

As the situation unfolds, the international community must remain vigilant, and India will need to continue strengthening its defence mechanisms to safeguard its borders and its people from such unconventional threats.