The city of Jammu is reeling under a sudden and alarming assault as unidentified drones were spotted traversing the night sky, triggering a citywide blackout. Reports indicate that the drones, suspected to be part of a coordinated attack, prompted immediate action from Indian air defense systems, with explosions heard in the airspace over the city.
According to eyewitnesses and local sources, the blackout began shortly after 9:00 PM, with authorities urging residents to switch off lights and minimize movement. The Indian Army and local administration have advised civilians to remain indoors and cooperate with security protocols as defense systems work to intercept the drones. “A full blackout is being observed across Jammu and nearby areas. People are cooperating well, with very little movement across the city,” a local resident posted on X.
The Ministry of External Affairs, in a press briefing earlier today, revealed that Pakistan attempted to engage multiple military targets across northern and western India, including Jammu, using drones and missiles on the intervening night of May 7-8. Official sources confirmed that military installations in Jammu, Srinagar, Pathankot, and other cities were targeted, though Indian forces successfully foiled most attempts. The ongoing situation in Jammu suggests an escalation, with drones breaching airspace and causing widespread alarm.
The blackout, a precautionary measure to reduce visibility for aerial attacks, has plunged the city into darkness, with residents reporting an eerie silence punctuated by distant explosions. Schools, colleges, and other institutions in Jammu and surrounding districts like Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, and Poonch have been closed in response to the heightened security threat, as per orders from the Divisional Commissioner of Jammu.
Tensions between India and Pakistan have been simmering since the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists. India’s precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir on May 6-7, under Operation Sindoor, have further escalated the conflict. Pakistan’s alleged use of drones and artillery shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) in response has raised fears of a broader confrontation.
As of now, no official casualty reports have emerged from the drone activity in Jammu, but the situation remains fluid. The Indian Air Force and Army are on high alert, with additional reinforcements reportedly deployed to the region. Residents are urged to stay vigilant and follow updates from credible sources.
