By evening, people heard blasts in, Akhnoor, Samba, Kathua, Ratnuchak Army Cantonment, Baramulla (two explosions reported), Hoshiarpur, Pathankot.

Widespread blackouts in Punjab

Following the explosions, authorities enforced blackouts. First, Hoshiarpur officials switched off all lights. Then, Amritsar followed. Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain stated, “The blackout will continue till further orders.” Later, Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Mohali also went dark. Authorities recovered missile debris from Kumahi Devi village near Hoshiarpur’s Talwara.

IPL Match Halted

Meanwhile, power outages affected Himachal Pradesh too. During the IPL match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals, Dharamshala lost power. As a result, the match stopped and the stadium was evacuated.

Indian forces intercept drone threat

On Thursday evening, Indian air defence systems intercepted a suspected Pakistani drone attack over Jammu. Shortly after, explosions were heard in Punjab and Rajasthan. These developments took place just one day after India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Explosions near Jammu airport

Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports suggested a blast near Jammu airport. According to PTI, Pakistan launched loitering munitions at Indian targets. In response, Indian air defence forces fired countermeasures.

Shelling spreads across border areas

Soon after the Jammu incident, explosions occurred in several parts of Punjab. Moreover, Pakistani shelling was reported from Pathankot in Punjab and Kupwara in Jammu and Kashmir. Later, Indian forces intercepted Pakistani drones over Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer. People heard loud blasts and saw flashes in the night sky.

Drones intercepted in Rajasthan

Shortly after the Punjab strikes, Pakistani drones entered Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer airspace. Indian forces intercepted them. Residents heard explosions and saw flashes in the sky. As a precaution, authorities ordered a blackout in Barmer.

Sirens, blackouts follow drone alert

Due to the drone threat, authorities activated sirens and enforced blackouts in parts of Jammu and Punjab. By 9 p.m., PTI reported that Pakistani troops were shelling border regions in Kupwara and Baramulla. Additionally, shells landed in Punjab’s Pathankot.

India's S-400 shoots down missiles

According to ANI, India’s S-400 system shot down eight missiles. Pakistan had launched them at targets in Satwari, Samba, RS Pura, and Arnia. Furthermore, unconfirmed reports suggested Indian defences may have downed a Pakistani F-16 jet. However, the Indian government has not confirmed this.

India Strikes Pakistan's Defence Systems

Early Thursday morning, India launched precision strikes on Pakistan’s air defence systems. This came after Pakistan’s drone and missile attacks on Indian military sites.

Later, India’s Ministry of Defence released a statement. It explained that the strikes were necessary and emphasized that India aims to prevent further escalation.