Complete blackout enforced in Jammu after reports of multiple explosions near the LoC

A complete blackout was enforced in Jammu on Friday morning after multiple explosions were reported near the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch and Rajouri districts, escalating tensions in the region. The explosions occurred around early hours, prompting air raid sirens and emergency protocols across the border areas. Authorities have not yet provided full details on the cause of the blasts, which were heard in several areas close to the LoC. The blackout was imposed as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of the local population and allow for swift military responses.

The explosions near the LoC came at a time when the Indian security forces were already on high alert following a series of cross-border incidents. On the evening of May 8, the Border Security Force (BSF) successfully foiled a major infiltration attempt along the International Boundary in the Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir. The BSF acted swiftly to neutralize the threat, preventing any breach of security along this sensitive stretch of the border. The infiltration attempt occurred at approximately 11 pm, and no casualties were reported on either side.

In a separate development, the Indian Air Defence systems reportedly shot down a Pakistani Air Force jet in the Pathankot sector of Punjab. This incident comes amid ongoing artillery exchanges between Indian and Pakistani forces. While official confirmation from the government is awaited, sources indicated that the jet was intercepted during the heightened security measures. The event further adds to the growing list of military engagements between the two nations in recent days.

Further escalating the situation, two Pakistani drones were intercepted and shot down by the Indian Army in the Naushera sector of Jammu and Kashmir. The drones were reportedly intercepted during heavy artillery fire exchanges between the two countries. The Indian forces’ response was swift, and no significant damage was reported from these incidents. The drones were believed to be part of Pakistan's efforts to target military installations in India. Pakistani forces also attempted missile strikes targeting military stations in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur, though these efforts were neutralized by Indian forces without any casualties.

These recent developments follow India's launch of Operation Sindoor on May 7, which targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The missile strikes, according to Indian officials, were aimed at terror infrastructure linked to groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, in retaliation for the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22 that killed 28 civilians. While the exact impact of the strikes remains unclear, the operation marks a significant escalation in India’s military stance towards Pakistan in response to ongoing cross-border tensions.