Escalating Tensions: Missile Interceptions and Strategic Strikes between India and Pakistan

In a dramatic escalation, tensions between India and Pakistan reached a new high on Thursday with a series of missile interceptions and strategic counterattacks. Pakistan launched eight missiles targeting Satwari, Samba, RS Pura, and Arnia, all of which were successfully intercepted by India's air defense units, according to defense sources.

The attack, reminiscent of Hamas-style operations, coincides with reports of a meeting between ISI and Hamas in Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Subsequent Pakistani drone incursions were thwarted by Indian defenses in Udhampur, Jammu, Kashmir, and Jaisalmer, where explosions and skyward flashes were reported.

In response to the escalating threat, India initiated a complete blackout in key regions, including Bikaner, Rajasthan, and Jalandhar, Punjab, extending to Jammu and Amritsar. Thursday witnessed Pakistan targeting Jammu with loitering munitions, prompting a measured yet robust response from Indian air defense forces.

Building on its strategic response, India executed Operation Sindoor to dismantle terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri affirmed India's commitment to restrained yet precise military actions, aimed solely at non-civilian, non-military targets.

Significant operations have neutralized Pakistani air defense systems, including a critical unit in Lahore. The highly coordinated Indian countermeasures reportedly claimed over 100 terrorist lives from precision strikes focused on dismantling terror networks.

Thursday further marked an intensification of Pakistani unprovoked firing along the Line of Control, with mortar and artillery attacks in areas such as Kupwara, Baramulla, and Poonch leading to civilian casualties. India's Defense Ministry reiterated a commitment to preventing escalation, emphasizing that actions were reactive to Pakistan's provocations.

(With inputs from agencies.)