In a major escalation of ongoing hostilities along the India-Pakistan border, multiple Pakistani Kamikaze drones were shot down over Amritsar’s Khasa Cantonment area early Saturday morning, according to the Indian Army’s official statement. The incident occurred around 5:00 AM, when India’s Army Air Defence units detected and engaged hostile drones, destroying them mid-air before they could reach civilian targets.

Hostile Drones Destroyed Over Amritsar

According to a post shared by the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADG PI) – Indian Army, these drones were part of Pakistan’s continuing attempts to violate Indian airspace. Defence sources confirmed that the drones were Byker YIHA III Kamikaze drones, specifically designed for precision strikes in civilian-populated areas, an alarming development for border residents.

The Indian Army responded with Air Defence cannons, neutralising the aerial threat efficiently. Images and videos shared online showed the dismantled debris of the drones, scattered across Amritsar’s fields.

The Indian Army labelled Pakistan’s act as “blatant escalation” and stated in its post that it would continue to “thwart enemy designs”. The attack came amidst the backdrop of ‘Operation Sindoor’, a large-scale Indian military retaliation following the April 22 Pahalgam massacre, which killed 26 people, mostly tourists.

India Downs Two Pakistani Fighter Jets Near Srinagar

Shortly after the drone attack, India’s Air Defence systems shot down two Pakistani fighter jets over the airspace near Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. Defence officials stated that these jets had violated Indian airspace, likely in a coordinated move to follow up on the drone offensive.

Security personnel are conducting search operations to recover the wreckage of the aircraft amid a state of high alert across the region. This marks one of the most intense aerial engagements between the two nuclear-armed neighbours in recent times.

Pakistan Launches Fatah-II Missile Towards Haryana’s Sirsa

In another act of provocation, Pakistan launched a Fatah-II missile toward Sirsa, Haryana—a key military and strategic zone in North India. However, Indian defence sources confirmed that the missile was successfully intercepted and neutralised mid-air by advanced Indian missile defence systems.

The Fatah-II missile, capable of delivering payloads at medium-range distances, could have caused significant damage if not intercepted. Defence analysts have pointed out that this represents a deliberate escalation by Pakistan, transitioning from drone warfare to tactical missile usage, a worrying sign for strategic stability in South Asia.

Operation Sindoor: India’s Military Response

The Indian Armed Forces had earlier launched Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in retaliation for the Pahalgam massacre. The airstrikes were carried out with pinpoint accuracy, and Indian forces have warned that further attacks on Indian soil would be met with stronger retaliation.

Saturday’s drone incursion appears to be Pakistan’s response to Operation Sindoor, continuing a cycle of provocation and retaliation that shows little sign of de-escalation.

US Urges De-escalation

As the situation continues to spiral, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held calls with Pakistani Army Chief General Asim Munir and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, urging both sides to “de-escalate tensions”. Rubio has also offered US assistance to initiate constructive dialogue between the two nations to prevent full-scale conflict.

However, Jaishankar made it clear that India would respond firmly to any aggression from Pakistan. President Donald Trump also weighed in, expressing a desire to see the conflict “de-escalate as quickly as possible”, while reiterating that he maintains good relations with the leaders of both countries.

Drone Threats Expand Beyond Jammu and Kashmir

While Jammu and Kashmir remains the epicentre of most skirmishes, Saturday’s drone sightings in Punjab’s Amritsar reflect an expanding geographic scope of the conflict. Pakistani drones have also been reported in Gujarat and Rajasthan in recent weeks, prompting wider deployment of India’s drone interception systems across several border states.

Officials fear that the use of Kamikaze drones, designed for one-time strikes, indicates a shift in Pakistan’s tactical approach, relying on asymmetric warfare to bypass traditional military defences.

India Strengthens Air Defence Across Border States

In response, India has increased its deployment of mobile surface-to-air missile systems (SAMs) and anti-drone radar setups across critical zones, including Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. According to a source in the Ministry of Defence, India is also considering cyber-disruption tactics to jam enemy drone signals before they enter Indian airspace.

Moreover, civil aviation zones, key airbases, and military installations have all been put under heightened security. Night patrols have increased, and citizen advisories have been issued in border towns, urging residents to remain indoors during air alerts.

Civilians on Edge Amid Escalation

Residents of Amritsar and surrounding villages are growing increasingly anxious amid the constant drone threats and air defence operations. Several families near Khasa Cantt reported hearing explosions early in the morning and later witnessed military convoys mobilising toward the blast zones.

Local authorities have activated emergency shelters and evacuation drills for high-risk areas near the border. Medical teams have also been placed on standby to address potential civilian casualties or chemical warfare risks, although no such instance has yet been confirmed.

Conclusion: India-Pakistan Stand-Off Deepens

The events of May 10—spanning drone attacks, aerial dogfights, and missile launches—signal a new phase in the India-Pakistan confrontation. While international voices like the US continue to push for de-escalation, both nations appear locked in military posturing with no visible off-ramp.

India has reaffirmed its commitment to neutralise any threat to national sovereignty, and officials say they are prepared for “prolonged tactical engagement” if the situation deteriorates further.

With Operation Sindoor ongoing and the possibility of more cross-border engagements, the region remains on edge, and citizens, soldiers, and world leaders alike are watching closely.

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