SRINAGAR, May 9 — Jammu city plunged into darkness late Friday as sirens blared and heavy blasts echoed across the region, marking a dramatic escalation in hostilities between India and Pakistan.
“Intermittent sounds of blasts, probably heavy artillery, can now be heard from where I am,” Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah posted on X. He also shared an image of the darkened city, writing, “Blackout in Jammu now. Sirens can be heard across the city.”
The blackout extended across the Kashmir Valley, where officials confirmed widespread power cuts and alarm systems activated in areas surrounding the Srinagar airport.
Reports of explosions emerged from Awantipora and Pulwama, while heavy shelling was reported in border areas including Uri and Kupwara.
The escalation follows Pakistan’s violation of Indian airspace during the night of May 8–9, with the Indian military confirming that 300–400 drones were launched from Pakistan at 36 locations ranging from Leh to Sir Creek.
“Pakistan sent armed drones to target our military installations,” the military said Friday. “One such UAV was sent to strike the Bathinda military station, but the attempt was successfully foiled.”
Indian forces reportedly downed several of the drones using both kinetic and non-kinetic countermeasures. In retaliation, India launched precision drone strikes at four air defence (AD) sites in Pakistan under Operation Sindoor, destroying one radar system, officials confirmed.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri condemned the Pakistani strikes.
“The Pakistani side targeted places of worship with a particular design—it marks a new low, even for Pakistan,” he said during a joint briefing with the Indian military and Ministry of External Affairs.
Misri added that India’s response was “proportionate and adequate,” and accused Islamabad of duplicity.
“Pakistan’s farcical denial of its involvement is yet another example of its habitual deceit,” he stated.
The Indian military said it remains on high alert, as tensions along the Line of Control and the international border continue to escalate.
