Multiple loud explosions echoed in Jammu on Thursday. Authorities triggered blackouts and sirens across the area. Sirens also rang out in Akhnoor, Samba, Baramulla, and Kupwara. This happened just a day after India destroyed nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Pakistan Accuses India of Drone Strikes

After the Indian strikes, Pakistan claimed India used drones to attack cities like Lahore and Karachi. The Pakistani military blamed India for drone raids in multiple areas.

As a result, officials closed Karachi airport until 6 pm. They also briefly shut down Islamabad and Lahore airports. Pakistan’s civil aviation authority said the closures were “for operational reasons.”

India Says Pakistan Tried to Attack Military Bases

India’s Ministry of Defence released a statement. It said Pakistan tried to hit Indian military targets on May 7. These targets were in Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Chandigarh, and other cities.

Indian forces stopped these attacks with air defence systems. They are now collecting the remains of the missiles. The Defence Ministry said the debris would prove Pakistan’s involvement.

India Carried Out Operation Sindoor

India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7. It was a response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people. The Indian Air Force struck nine terror sites in Pakistan and PoK. The operation lasted from 1:04 am to 1:30 am.

Pakistan Retaliated with Shelling

Soon after the strikes, Pakistan fired back. The Pakistan Army used heavy artillery and mortars along the Line of Control (LoC). They targeted Indian villages near the border. Their shelling killed 12 civilians and one Indian soldier.

Mixed Messages from Pakistani Leaders

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif responded strongly. He said, “a befitting reply to this act of war imposed by India” would come. He added, “the Pakistani armed forces know very well how to deal with the enemy.”

However, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif took a softer tone. He said, “Islamabad is ready to wrap up tensions with New Delhi”, but only if India steps back.