In a sharp escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan, the Ministry of External Affairs held a joint press conference on Friday, revealing that Pakistan launched a large-scale drone attack on Indian territory.
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army confirmed that between May 7 and 8, 300 to 400 drones attempted to infiltrate 36 Indian locations from Leh to Sir Creek.
Qureshi said the Pakistani army violated Indian airspace and fired heavy-calibre weapons along the Line of Control.
“The Indian armed forces shot down many drones using kinetic and non-kinetic means,” she stated. “Preliminary findings from drone debris suggest they include Turkish Asisguard Songar drones.”
She further added that Pakistan used civil airliners as shields during the incursion, showing evidence of a commercial flight flying amid the attack.
The Indian Air Force’s Wing Commander Vyomika Singh said Pakistan did not close its civil airspace during the failed and unprovoked drone and missile attack on May 7 at 8:30 PM.
She pointed out that while India cleared its airspace in the Punjab sector, civil airliners continued to fly between Karachi and Lahore.
Singh said this tactic risked international flights, and the IAF showed restraint to ensure the safety of civil aviation.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said India would raise the matter at the upcoming IMF meeting regarding Pakistan’s bailout.
He condemned Pakistan for targeting places of worship, calling it a ‘new low’.
Misri reiterated that India’s response—Operation Sindoor—was in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians.
India thwarted another drone attack on Thursday night. Forensic analysis of the wreckage continues.
Also Read: Indian Army Foils Drone, Ceasefire Violations Along LoC Under Ongoing ‘Operation Sindoor’
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