Night-long bombing, shelling, missile strikes; India repels multiple attacks by Pakistan

Multiple attacks on Indian territory by Pakistan Armed Forces during the night of May 8-9 were “effectively repulsed and a befitting reply was given,” said the Indian Army on Friday morning.

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Pakistan launched multiple attacks using drones and other ammunition along the entire Western Border on the intervening night of May 8 and 9. Pakistan troops also resorted to numerous ceasefire violations (CFVs) along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.

“The drone attacks were effectively repulsed and a befitting reply was given to the CFVs,” the Indian Army said. “We remain committed to safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Nation. All nefarious designs will be responded to with force,” the Army said on social media platform X.

Pakistan on Thursday night escalated the military skirmish with India, clearly threatening to widen the conflict. The attacks continued until the early hours on Friday.

Pakistan tried to hit several locations across north India and western India, which have been foiled. India has retaliated and details are awaited.

On Thursday night, the office of the Chief of Defence Staff posted on social media platform X saying “Military Stations of Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur in proximity to the International Boundary, in Jammu & Kashmir, were targeted by Pakistan using missiles and drones. No losses. The threat was neutralized by Indian Armed Forces using kinetic and non-kinetic means.”

Defence sources had said eight Missiles from Pakistan directed at Satwari, Samba, RS Pura, and Arnia were intercepted by the integrated ‘air defence units’.

Sources said the visuals over Jammu remind us of exactly the ‘Hamas’ style attack on Israel.

Indian intelligence agencies have also informed the government about a meeting that Hamas had with Pakistan intelligence agency ISI.

Last night, the US had tried to de-escalate the matter. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called up Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and emphasised the need for immediate de-escalation, the US state department spokesperson Tammy Bruce had said.

Rubio expressed US support for direct dialogue between India and Pakistan and encouraged continued efforts to improve communications.

Marco Rubio also spoke with Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and emphasised the need for immediate de-escalation.