ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Army intercepted and destroyed 77 Israeli-made Harop drones, sent by India to target civilian and military installations, Director General Inter-Services Public relations Lt-Gen Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry confirmed on Friday.
Federal Minister for Information Atta Tarar also confirmed the number of destroyed drones launched by India on Friday.
Addressing a presser, Lt-Gen Chaudhry said that the military has neutralised 77 Israeli drones sent by India so far.
“We are taking each one of them out. Not one of them has been able to go back to India and not one of them will be able to go back.”
At least 29 drones were intercepted since Wednesday until Thursday evening, with an additional 48 shot down overnight and into Friday.
On the Line of Control (LoC), security sources said, five civilians were martyred and seven others injured in unprovoked Indian shelling on residential areas.
The drone incursions are part of a broader military escalation between the two nuclear-armed arch-rivals, which has seen heightened tensions since the deadly attack in Pahalgam, a tourist attraction in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), on April 22. India accused Pakistan-based elements of orchestrating the attack, which killed 26 people. Pakistan has vehemently denied the accusations, and instead offered an international credible and neutral probe into the incident to ascertain the facts.
On the Line of Control (LoC), Indian forces have been using heavy artillery to target civilian areas, resulting in five civilian deaths and several injuries. The shelling targeted areas like Hajeera, Forward Kahuta, and Khuiratta, causing significant structural damage. In response, the Pakistan Army retaliated swiftly, downing multiple drones and planes, including five Indian jets. A white flag was reportedly raised by Indian troops near the Dharamsala 2 post, signaling an attempt to de-escalate after sustained retaliation by the Pakistan Army.
The escalating situation intensified with Indian airstrikes targeting civilian and military locations across Pakistan, including Sialkot, Shakargarh, Muridke, Bahawalpur, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad. These attacks led to the deaths of at least 31 civilians, including women and children, with many others injured. The Neelum–Jhelum Hydropower Project, along with local mosques and infrastructure, also sustained damage.
In response to these attacks, Pakistan’s military intercepted and destroyed five Indian Air Force jets, including three Rafale aircraft, one MiG-29, and one SU-series jet. Pakistan’s defense capabilities have proven to be robust in the face of India’s escalating actions.
The ongoing tensions have seen Pakistan and India at odds over various issues, including the Indus Waters Treaty and diplomatic ties. Pakistan has sealed the Wagah border and warned India against obstructing water flow, considering it an act of war.
The situation remains volatile, and both countries have been on high alert, with diplomatic and military responses expected to continue in the coming days.
