Introduction
India-Pakistan tensions escalated sharply on Friday night after a Pakistani drone hit a residential home in the Firozpur district of Punjab. The incident has left three civilians injured and triggered heightened security measures along the border. The attack adds to a series of recent aerial threats from across the border, including multiple interceptions by India’s air defence systems in Rajasthan and Punjab.
Pakistani Drone Hits Firozpur: Family Injured
According to local authorities, a drone from Pakistan crashed into a civilian home in Village Khai Pheme Ke in Firozpur. The projectile, intercepted by Indian forces but not neutralized in time, set the residence ablaze. Senior Superintendent of Police Bhupinder Singh confirmed that Lakhwinder Singh, his wife, and his brother Monu Singh were seriously injured. All were rushed to a nearby private hospital, with Lakhwinder currently in critical condition.
Red Alert and Blackouts Across Border States
In response to the incident, Indian forces issued a red alert across multiple border regions. Blackouts were enforced overnight in Jodhpur, Barmer, Phalodi, and Sriganganagar, echoing similar emergency measures implemented in Pokaran, Rajasthan. The blackout in Jodhpur, originally scheduled for midnight, was immediately triggered post-attack. Sirens were heard across the area as residents scrambled to safety.
Pattern of Escalation: Drone Interceptions in Jaisalmer
This drone strike follows a worrying pattern. For the second consecutive night, aerial threats launched from Pakistan were intercepted over Jaisalmer. According to ANI reports, India’s air defence units successfully destroyed multiple incoming drones mid-air. The repeated targeting of Indian military bases—particularly in Rajasthan—has led to increased surveillance and response readiness.
Security Situation Across Jammu, Punjab, and Rajasthan
Security remains on high alert in all major border districts, especially after the May 7 cross-border shelling. The military has deployed additional forces to reinforce vulnerable zones across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan. The Ministry of Defence has not yet released an official statement but is reportedly monitoring the situation closely.
India’s Strategic and Civilian Response
The continued use of drones in civilian areas by Pakistan is being viewed as a serious breach of international norms. With multiple reports of civilian harm and property damage, pressure is mounting on the Indian government to lodge a formal protest at the international level. Local administrations have urged residents to remain indoors during night hours and comply with any emergency directives.
Conclusion
The Firozpur drone attack represents a grave escalation in India-Pakistan hostilities. With rising incidents of drone warfare targeting both civilian and military locations, New Delhi may be forced to revisit its diplomatic and security protocols. As tensions soar, the hope for de-escalation seems increasingly distant.
For related developments, read our recent coverage: Omar Abdullah Slams IMF Over $1 Billion Loan to Pakistan.
