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Informist, Saturday, May 10, 2025

 

NEW DELHI - Pakistan launched drone attacks for the third consecutive night on Friday at 26 Indian locations, from Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir to Bhuj in Gujarat along the International Border and Line of Control, the defence ministry said Friday. The ministry said the Indian armed forces used counter-drone systems to thwart Pakistan's attack. However, a drone targeted at a civilian area in Ferozepur resulted in severe injuries to a family, the ministry said, adding that the injured have been provided medical assistance and the area has been sanitised by security forces.

 

"Drones have been sighted at 26 locations...The locations include Baramulla, Srinagar, Avantipora, Nagrota, Jammu, Ferozpur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Lalgarh Jatta, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bhuj, Kuarbet and Lakhi Nala. These include suspected armed drones posing potential threats to civilian and military targets," the ministry said. Pakistan also resorted to artillery shelling along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.

 

"Pakistan's blatant escalation with drone strikes and other munitions continues along our western borders," the Indian Army said in a post on its official account on X. At 0500 IST, the Indian forces engaged and destroyed multiple enemy armed drones spotted flying over Amritsar's Khasa Cantonment, the Indian Army added.

 

"The Indian Armed Forces are maintaining a high state of alert, and all such aerial threats are being tracked and engaged using counter-drone systems. The situation is under close and constant watch, and prompt action is being taken wherever necessary," the defence ministry said. It also advised citizens, especially in border areas, to remain indoors and strictly follow safety instructions issued by local authorities.

 

According to defence ministry sources, Indian armed forces have deployed the Integrated Counter-Unmanned Aerial System Grid, S-400 Triumph systems, Barak-8 missiles, Akash Surface-to-Air Missiles, and Defence Research Development Organisation's anti-drone technologies to thwart Pakistan's attempts to attack Indian cities.

 

In view of the escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed countries, the Airports Authority of India and relevant aviation authorities have issued a series of notices announcing the temporary closure of 32 airports across northern and western India for all civil flight operations till 0529 IST, May 15.

 

The rising conflict has also led to suspension of Indian Premier League matches with the Board of Control for Cricket in India on Friday announcing suspension of the remainder of the ongoing TATA IPL 2025 matches with immediate effect for one week.

 

Tensions heightened between New Delhi and Islamabad after the Apr. 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 26 tourists were killed. India said the attack was carried out by Pakistan based and trained terrorists. In retaliation, New Delhi on Wednesday launched 'Operation Sindoor' and struck at terrorist camps at nine locations in Pakistan. In response Pakistan, resorted to artillery shelling along the Line of Control and drone attacks. At least 13 civilians were killed in the Pakistan shelling.

 

On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and Chiefs of the armed forces and senior officials to take stock of the situation.

 

Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund on Friday approved Pakistan's economic reform programme, which allowed immediate disbursement of around $1 billion loan to Islamabad. The IMF's executive board also approved the request for an arrangement under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility, with access of about $1.4 billion. India raised concerns over the efficacy of IMF programmes given Pakistan's poor track record, and also on the possibility of misuse of debt financing funds for state sponsored cross-border terrorism. India abstained from the voting during the IMF executive board meeting. End

 

US$1 = INR 85.37
IST, or Indian Standard Time, is five-and-a-half hours ahead of GMT

Reported by Kuldeep Singh

Edited by Ashish Shirke

 

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