India and Pakistan exchanged accusations of launching new military attacks yesterday, utilizing drones and artillery for the third consecutive day. Villagers from border areas in both countries fled, and power outages were reported in multiple cities that also received warnings about air raids, leading to a rush among residents to stock up on essential goods.
India has suspended the T20 cricket tournament following an interruption during a match and subsequent power outages. The Indian Army stated that “Pakistani forces have committed numerous violations of the ceasefire along the Line of Control in Kashmir,”
adding, “We have defended against drone attacks and have appropriately responded to ceasefire violations,” indicating that all incursions will be met with force.
The Pakistani Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, claimed that the Indian Army’s statements are baseless and that Pakistan has not conducted any attacks targeting areas within the Indian-administered portion of Kashmir or beyond its borders.
Officials in the Pakistan-administered region of Kashmir reported that five civilians, including an infant, were killed and 29 others injured in heavy cross-border shelling during the early hours of Friday.
The official noted, “Several homes were set ablaze, and the shelling in the Uri sector caused significant damage. A woman was killed and three others were injured during nighttime shelling.”
According to military sources and Pakistani state television, Pakistan has intercepted 77 drones launched by India since late Wednesday into Thursday. The Indian Army stated yesterday: “Pakistani armed forces conducted multiple attacks using drones and other munitions along India’s western border on Thursday and Friday morning.”
An Indian Ministry of Defense source reported that Pakistan executed another drone attack on the Indian portion of Kashmir for the second consecutive night.
The regional government leader, Omar Abdullah, mentioned hearing intermittent explosions in Jammu where he is located, adding that the city is shrouded in darkness. Sirens blared for over two hours in the Indian border town of Amritsar, and authorities urged residents to stay indoors.
Witnesses reported hearing multiple explosions in Jammu, in the Indian-administered Kashmir, for the second consecutive day, along with sightings of projectiles in the sky following a power outage.
Precautionary Measures
Other border regions, such as the Bhuj area in Gujarat, have also taken precautionary steps. Regional authorities stated, “Tourist buses are on standby for the evacuation of residents near the border with Pakistan.”
Schools and training centers in the Bikaner region of the Indian desert state of Rajasthan have been closed. Residents in areas close to the Pakistani border reported that authorities advised them to move to safer locations.
They were encouraged to consider living with relatives or in government-declared shelters. The Directorate General of Shipping in India has instructed all ports and vessels to enhance security amid rising concerns over potential threats.