India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate: Drone Attacks Cause Blackouts in Jammu and Srinagar, Indian Military Responds

Drone and missile attacks attributed to Pakistan caused blackouts and explosions in northern India, affecting Jammu, Srinagar, Punjab, and Rajasthan. The Indian military responded with 'Operation Sindoor,' targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan. The attacks followed Indian airstrikes on terrorist camps. Misinformation spread rapidly on social media, complicating the situation. Civilian life was disrupted, with blackouts, flight suspensions, and the IPL cricket tournament paused. The escalation began after an April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, killing 26 civilians, which India blamed on Pakistan-based groups.

Drone Attacks and Explosions Rock Northern India

On the night of May 8 and into the early hours of May 9, multiple Indian cities experienced drone incursions and explosions, with Jammu and Srinagar among the hardest hit. According to Indian military sources, drones were sighted and engaged over Jammu, Samba, Pathankot, and even as far south as Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. In several instances, Indian air defense systems successfully intercepted the drones, with visible red streaks and loud explosions lighting up the night sky.

In Jammu, residents reported hearing intermittent blasts and seeing projectiles overhead. Sirens blared across the city, and a complete blackout was enforced as a precautionary measure. Similar blackouts were reported in Samba, Udhampur, and parts of Punjab, including Amritsar and Pathankot. In Srinagar, at least ten explosions were reported near the international airport, prompting heightened security and the suspension of civilian flights.

The Indian Army confirmed that these attacks followed its own targeted airstrikes earlier in the week on nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, part of a military operation dubbed "Operation Sindoor." The Indian government has accused Pakistan of retaliating with drone and missile strikes aimed at both civilian and military infrastructure.

Indian Military Response: Operation Sindoor

India’s military response has been swift and coordinated. Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, targeted what Indian officials described as terrorist infrastructure across the border. The Indian Air Force reportedly used precision-guided munitions and drones, including Israeli-made Harop loitering munitions, to strike launchpads and training camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

Following the Pakistani drone incursions, Indian air defense units were placed on high alert. Over 50 drones were reportedly neutralized in a large-scale counter-drone operation along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB). In Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, Indian forces intercepted drones in real-time, with video footage showing flashes in the sky and loud detonations.

The Indian Army has also confirmed that a Pakistan Air Force F-16 was shot down during the engagements, although official confirmation is still pending. Meanwhile, heavy artillery exchanges were reported in the Poonch and Uri sectors of Jammu and Kashmir.

Civilian Impact and Public Safety Measures

The attacks have had a significant impact on civilian life. In addition to the blackouts, air raid sirens and emergency alerts have disrupted daily routines. The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, urged residents to stay indoors and avoid spreading rumors. “It’s my earnest appeal to everyone in & around Jammu: please stay off the streets, stay at home or at the nearest place you can comfortably stay at for the next few hours,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).

The Indian Premier League (IPL) suspended its ongoing cricket tournament for a week, citing national security concerns. A match in Dharamshala was abandoned due to a power failure linked to the blackout. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has relocated its remaining matches to the UAE after a drone crashed near Rawalpindi Stadium.

Civilian flights were suspended at 24 airports across northern and western India, including Srinagar, Amritsar, Chandigarh, and Jodhpur. Major airlines such as Air India and IndiGo canceled over 100 flights, and ports and shipyards were placed on high alert.

Misinformation Surge on Social Media

As the conflict escalated, so did the spread of misinformation. Social media platforms were flooded with unverified videos and exaggerated claims, many of which were debunked by India’s official fact-checking agency, PIB Fact Check. One widely circulated video, allegedly showing a Pakistani missile strike on Amritsar, was revealed to be footage from a 2024 wildfire. Another viral clip of a rocket barrage was traced back to a video game.

Pakistani media outlets and government-linked accounts have also been accused of distorting facts. Claims that Pakistan shot down 29 Indian drones and five fighter jets have not been independently verified. Some reports even alleged Indian missile strikes on Karachi Port, though no credible evidence has surfaced.

India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology blocked access to The Wire, a prominent independent news outlet, citing the IT Act. The move has sparked concerns over press freedom, especially during a national security crisis.

Escalation Rooted in April 22 Pahalgam Attack

The current escalation follows a deadly attack on April 22 near the tourist town of Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir, where gunmen killed 26 civilians, mostly Indian tourists. India blamed Pakistan-based terror groups for the massacre, prompting the launch of Operation Sindoor.

Since then, nearly 50 people have been killed in cross-border exchanges, most of them in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Pakistani officials reported five civilian deaths, including a two-year-old girl, due to Indian shelling. India maintains that its strikes were targeted at terrorist infrastructure and that it has exercised "considerable restraint."

India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate: Drone Attacks Cause Blackouts in Jammu and Srinagar, Indian Military Responds

Key Updates

Chinese PL-15E Missile Debris Found in India After India-Pakistan Aerial Clash; Nations Move to De-escalate

Pakistan Accuses India of Missile Launch into Indian Territory, Red Alert Issued in Amritsar Amid Rising Tensions

Kashmir Conflict Escalates: India-Pakistan Tensions Spark US-China Proxy War Fears