Reported drone seen in Jammu skies.
Credit: X/@MumbaichaDon
Srinagar: Amid reports of low-range missile and drone attacks originating from Pakistan, a sudden and complete power blackout plunged Jammu city and several surrounding regions into darkness late Thursday evening, triggering alarm across the Union Territory and beyond.
In response, Indian defence installations, including air defence batteries at Jammu and Srinagar airports, were swiftly activated.
Eyewitnesses in Jammu described bright flashes and projectile trails streaking across the night sky, fueling fears of an incoming missile strike. The chaos was compounded by loud explosions and the sound of air raid sirens in multiple localities.
According to defence sources, Air Defence Units successfully intercepted eight missiles launched from across the border, reportedly aimed at key areas including Satwari, Samba, RS Pura, and Arnia.
In a strategic move to reduce the visibility of military assets and prevent civilian casualties, authorities ordered precautionary blackouts in several areas. “Complete blackout in Jammu. Loud explosions — bombing, shelling, or missile strikes suspected. Fret not — Mata Vishnu Devi is with us, and so are valiant Indian Armed Forces,” former Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police, Shesh Paul Vaid posted on X.
Simultaneously, drone incursions and heavy artillery shelling were reported from Samba district, located along the International Border. Villagers close to the frontier said they spotted drones flying at low altitudes, followed by several loud blasts. While official confirmation is awaited, unverified reports indicate that multiple drones were shot down during countermeasures.
Sources also suggested that the Jammu airport may have been one of the intended targets. The ongoing situation comes in the aftermath of India’s Operation Sindoor, which has significantly heightened tensions along the border.
As of now, no casualties have been reported, but security forces remain on high alert, continuing airspace surveillance and counter-drone operations.
Similar blackouts were also reported from Baramulla in north Kashmir, Udhampur in Jammu and Pathankot in Punjab — all strategically significant areas with military presence.