India shoots down Pakistani kamikaze drones over Amritsar, blasts heard in Srinagar

The Indian Army’s air defence units intercepted and destroyed multiple Pakistani kamikaze drones over Amritsar early Saturday. Around 5 AM, Pakistan launched multiple Byker YIHA III drones across the International Border toward Punjab, attempting to target civilian areas, sources said.

"Using quick-reaction air-defence guns positioned in depth along the border belt, AAD gunners brought down the drones in mid-air, ensuring that no debris fell on civilian property and that no casualties were sustained," sources said.

Initial analysis suggested the drones were loaded with high-explosive payloads, aiming to maximise damage — a move India described as a continued provocation from Pakistan.

The tension intensified further when multiple explosions were heard in Srinagar, including two loud blasts near the airport around 11:45 AM, officials said. Similar explosions were heard near vital installations in the city. Sirens blared in several areas, and power was snapped in parts of the valley.

Authorities have not yet confirmed casualties or the source of the blasts.

Earlier, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated, "It is Pakistani actions that have constituted provocation and escalation. In response, India has defended and reacted in a responsible and measured fashion."

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, briefing reporters, said Pakistan had launched drone, missile, and fighter jet attacks across over 26 locations, targeting Indian airbases at Udhampur, Bhuj, Pathankot, and Bathinda. “They even attacked health facilities and schools,” she noted.

The army officer said India responded swiftly and strategically. “After Pakistan deliberately targeted air bases, Indian armed forces carried out well-planned strikes on technical installations, command centres, radar sites, and ammunition stores,” Qureshi said. Indian airstrikes targeted Pakistani military assets at Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, and Chunian, as well as radar installations in Pasrur and the aviation base in Sialkot.

Condemning Pakistan’s conduct, Qureshi added, “This once again revealed their irresponsible tendency of attacking civil infrastructure.”

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh addressed the misinformation campaign emerging from Islamabad. “Pakistan has attempted to claim destruction of the Indian S-400 system and airfields at Suratgarh and Sirsa. India unequivocally rejects these false claims,” she said.

She added that Pakistan is moving troops towards forward positions, suggesting possible intent to escalate further. “Indian armed forces remain in a high state of operational readiness. All hostile actions have been effectively countered and responded to proportionately,” Singh said. She also reiterated India's stand on non-escalation — “provided the Pakistan side reciprocates.”