Pakistan Launches Hamas-Style Missile Barrage on Jammu; India Responds with Precision Air Defence and Counterstrikes

Eight missiles and multiple drones intercepted by Indian forces; blackouts enforced across multiple cities as tensions escalate following Operation Sindoor

Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir), May 8:
In a significant escalation of hostilities, Pakistan fired eight missiles aimed at Satwari, Samba, RS Pura, and Arnia in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. All incoming projectiles were successfully intercepted by India’s air defence systems, defence sources confirmed.

The visuals over Jammu bore a stark resemblance to Hamas-style rocket attacks on Israel, defence experts noted, with multiple low-cost rockets launched in rapid succession. Sources further stated that Pakistani military conduct now mirrors that of terror outfits, pointing out a recent meeting between Pakistan’s ISI and Hamas operatives in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).

In addition to missile strikes, Pakistani drones were intercepted in Udhampur and Jaisalmer, with explosions and flashes lighting up the night sky. In response to the heightened threat, complete blackouts were enforced across Bikaner, Jalandhar, Kishtwar, Akhnoor, Samba, Jammu, and Amritsar as a security precaution.

The escalation follows India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor, which targeted nine terrorist hubs in Pakistan and PoJK in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. India had clearly stated that any attack on its military installations would trigger a strong and proportionate response.

At a press briefing on Thursday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri reiterated that India is not the aggressor, stating, “The original escalation was by Pakistan. Our response has been measured, targeted, and non-escalatory, focusing only on terrorist infrastructure.”

He added that India’s airstrikes were limited to non-civilian, non-military sites and emphasized, “What we are witnessing today is further escalation by Pakistan, and it is being responded to appropriately.”

Sources also revealed during an all-party meeting that over 100 terrorists were eliminated during India’s precision strikes on Wednesday morning.

The Defence Ministry further disclosed that on the night of May 7, Pakistan attempted a coordinated drone and missile attack on strategic locations across Northern and Western India, including Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Chandigarh, Phalodi, Bhuj, and more.

“These threats were neutralised by India’s Integrated Counter-UAS Grid and air defence systems. Debris recovered from various sites confirms the scale of the Pakistani offensive,” the statement said.

In retaliation, India targeted Pakistani Air Defence Radars, neutralising systems including one in Lahore. Pakistan has also intensified unprovoked shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) using mortars and heavy artillery in Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar, and Rajouri.

The shelling has tragically claimed 16 innocent lives, including three women and five children, prompting India to respond decisively.

India reaffirmed its commitment to peace and non-escalation, while making it clear that its armed forces will act decisively to neutralise any threat to national security.