Indian Forces Target 4 Pakistani Air Bases in Retaliation to 550 Drone Attacks
New Delhi, 10th May 2025: In a significant escalation of hostilities, India launched retaliatory strikes on at least four Pakistani airbases following a barrage of over 550 drones fired by Pakistan on Friday night, targeting 26 cities across Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Haryana.
The Border Security Force (BSF) released a video showing the destruction of a terrorist launchpad in Sialkot, Pakistan, believed to be a major source of the drone offensive.
According to sources quoted by news agency ANI, India responded swiftly on Saturday night by striking strategic Pakistani airbases involved in the attacks. Meanwhile, shelling from Pakistan resumed on Saturday morning, killing at least five people, including Jammu & Kashmir Administrative Officer Dr. Rajkumar Thapa, and damaging multiple civilian structures.
At a joint press briefing held by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Defence, Colonel Sophia Qureshi confirmed that India had suffered damage from Pakistan’s high-speed missile attacks on Udhampur, Pathankot, Adampur, and Bhuj airbases. However, she firmly denied Pakistan’s claims of destroying India’s BrahMos missile facility and the S-400 air defence system, calling them “baseless and false propaganda.”
“Pakistan attempted to target hospitals and schools, but our forces thwarted those efforts,” Colonel Qureshi said. She was joined by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh during the briefing.
Heavy Damage and Civilian Panic
Air strikes continued in Jammu city throughout Saturday, damaging several buildings and spreading panic among residents. Loud explosions were reported in Udhampur, with visuals showing thick plumes of smoke rising from residential areas. In Rajouri, Pakistan reportedly targeted civilian homes, with missiles landing dangerously close to schools and hospitals.
The Indian Army and Air Force successfully intercepted several drones, averting a potentially larger catastrophe. However, red alerts have been issued in border districts like Sri Ganganagar and Hanumangarh, and air strike warnings have been activated in cities such as Chandigarh and Ambala.
Mass Mobilization and National Security Measures
In Chandigarh, thousands of citizens lined up to volunteer for civil defence, responding to a government call for community support amid the crisis. Long queues were seen outside enlistment centres as residents expressed their willingness to assist in national defence operations.
CDS Meets Defence Minister Amid Ongoing Crisis
Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan met Defense Minister Rajnath Singh at his residence to brief him on the unfolding military situation. The Indian Armed Forces remain on high alert, maintaining defensive and offensive readiness to protect the country’s sovereignty.
Religious Sites Also Targeted
In a post on social media, the Ministry of Defence accused Pakistan of targeting religious sites, including the historic Aapshambhu Temple in Jammu. “Pakistan’s attacks have endangered both religious and residential areas. Our forces are firmly committed to defending every inch of the nation,” the statement read.
Tributes and Condolences
Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the family of the slain officer, Dr. Rajkumar Thapa, who died in the line of duty during the shelling in Rajouri. “Dr. Thapa’s service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. The government stands firmly with his family in this moment of grief,” the CM said.
