Operation Sindoor LIVE: Blasts in Jammu region; total blackout in Srinagar
Govt says Pakistan launched drones and missiles towards military bases in Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur, and India successfully foiled attacks
India has said that Pakistan military deployed around 300-400 drones, likely made in Turkey, to unleash an attack on over 25 Indian cities in the intervening night of May 8-9.
At a Ministry of External Affairs press briefing on Friday evening, the government said Pakistan did not close its airspace, and used civilian planes as shields. The govt said Pakistan launched drones and missiles towards military bases in Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur, and India successfully foiled the attacks.
An armed UAV of Pakistan also attempted to target Bathinda military station, which was quickly detected and neutralised, the govt said.
Earlier, the Border Security Force (BSF) on Friday (May 9) said it has foiled an infiltration bid from across the International Border in Jammu, killing at least seven terrorists and destroying a Pak Rangers' post.
The terrorists were engaged around 11 pm on Thursday in Samba district after a “big group” of theirs was detected by the “surveillance grid”. This infiltration bid was supported by fire from Pakistan Rangers post at Dhandhar, a BSF spokesperson said.
He said the troops neutralised the infiltration bid, killing “at least” seven terrorists and causing “extensive” damage to the Dhandhar post. Officials said there could be more terrorists, who could have been neutralised.
IPL suspended
The Indian Premier League (IPL) was on Friday suspended indefinitely due to the escalating military confrontation between India and Pakistan with a BCCI official saying that continuing the event in the current situation would not look appropriate.
A cloud of uncertainty had loomed over the future of the ongoing edition since the cancellation of Thursday's match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala midway following air raid alerts in neighbouring cities of Jammu and Pathankot.
“It does not look nice that cricket goes on while the country is at war,” a BCCI official told PTI, confirming the suspension of the high-profile league, which was to wind up on May 25 in Kolkata as per the original schedule. Twelve league matches and four knockout games are left to be played.
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Live Updates
- 9 May 2025 12:56 PM IST
Mohan Bhagwat congratulates govt, armed forces for action against Pak terrorists
Mohan Bhagwat congratulates govt, armed forces for against Pak terrorists
- 9 May 2025 12:53 PM IST
Debris appearing to be parts of missile found in Punjab
Debris resembling parts of a missile was found in fields near Kamahi Devi village in the district, amid soaring tension between India and Pakistan, officials said on Friday.
The metal debris was found on Thursday evening and appeared to be of missile-type origin, Hoshiarpur Superintendent of Police (Investigation) Mukesh Kumar.
Acting promptly, local police informed the Indian Air Force and cordoned off the area where the debris was found.
A team of Air Force officials soon arrived at the site, conducted a preliminary inspection, and took the debris with them for further investigation and disposal, the officer said.
Officials have not yet confirmed the origin or type of the object. Further analysis is underway, they said.
- 9 May 2025 12:45 PM IST
Imran Khan files petition for his release amid tensions with India
A petition was filed in a Pakistani court on Friday for the release of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan due to the fear of a drone attack on the prison where he is kept, amidst tensions with India.
Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf in a WhatsApp message said that the party's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur approached the Islamabad High Court for the release of the party founder. Khan, 72, been incarcerated in Adiala Jail of Rawalpindi, the garrison city.
“The Islamabad High Court has been approached for the release of Imran Khan. An application has been filed by Chief Minister KP Ali Amin,” it stated.
“It has been requested that in view of the current war situation with India, for national harmony and solidarity, and due to the fear of a drone attack in Adiala Jail, he be immediately released on parole/probation.”
- 9 May 2025 12:32 PM IST
Pak says economic affairs ministry's X account hacked
Pakistan on Friday said that the X account of its ministry of economic affairs was hacked and an appeal was posted on it for more international loans to meet the “heavy losses" caused by the current tensions with India. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued a 'FAKE TWEET ALERT', saying the account was "hacked".
An official also confirmed that the X account has been hacked, and “work was going to switch off the account”. Interestingly, ‘inflicted’ was misspelt in the post, leading to suspicion as official handling accounts seldom make such glaring mistakes.
The timing of the post was also intriguing as it coincided with a meeting of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) executive board to decide on the next installment of a USD 7 billion loan agreed last year.
Pakistan is expected to get more than USD 2 billion as part of the second tranche of the loans and a new loan which the fund approved to combat the impact of environmental changes.
- 9 May 2025 12:29 PM IST
Sport stars back Indian armed forces amid escalating conflict with Pakistan
India's sporting icons, including Neeraj Chopra, PV Sindhu, and Rohit Sharma, have come out in strong support of the country's armed forces for their strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan, hailing them as "the soul of our nation." India on Thursday night swiftly thwarted Pakistan's attempts to strike its military bases with drones and missiles including in Jammu and Pathankot after foiling similar bids at 15 places in northern and western regions of the country, as tensions soared between the two neighbours amid fears of a larger conflict.
"With every passing moment, with every decision taken I feel extremely proud of our Indian Army, Indian Airforce & Indian Navy. Our warriors are standing tall for our nation's pride. It's important for every Indian to be responsible and refrain from spreading or believing any fake news. Stay safe, everyone! #OperationSindoor #JaiHind," Rohit wrote on his X account on Friday.
"We are proud of our Brave Indian Armed Forces who are fighting for our nation against Terrorism. Let's do our part and make sure to follow guidelines to ensure everyone's safety during this time," double Olympic-medallist Chopra posted.
Two-time Olympic medallist shuttler Sindhu also paid tribute to the courage of Indian armed forces.
"To the brave men and women of the Indian Armed Forces — your courage, discipline, and sacrifice are the soul of our nation. In moments like OperationSindoor, we’re reminded of the silent strength and selfless service that keep our tricolour flying high. India stands with you. Jai Hind " Sindhu posted.
Thursday's IPL match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala was called off due to security reasons following air raid alerts in nearby areas, prompting the BCCI to suspend the league indefinitely.
Former opener Sehwag blamed Pakistan for the current situation.
"War has been chosen by Pakistan when they had an opportunity to keep quiet. They have escalated to save it's terrorist assets, speaks so much about them. Our forces will reply in the most appropriate manner, a manner Pakistan will never forget," Sehwag posted on 'X'.
Sehwag's former India teammate Dhawan also paid his tribute to the Indian forces engaged in the conflict.
"Respect to our brave hearts for protecting our borders with such strength and stopping the drone attack on Jammu. India stands strong. Jai Hind," Dhawan tweeted.
The Indian armed forces, in the early hours of Wednesday, launched precision missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, including the strongholds of Jaish-e-Mohammed in Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Muridke.
World Cup-winning former opener Kris Srikkanth called on the nation to rally behind the armed forces.
"Our hearts and prayers belong to our soldiers standing tall at the borders. It's time we stand behind them with unity and faith. May our bravehearts protect our land and show the world what India truly stay for. Jai Hind go win it for us!" Former wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel added "Let’s all stand behind our brave Indian Armed Forces as they protect our nation. We’re with you, always." The strikes were in response to the attack in Pahalgam in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were gunned down. Pakistan retaliated by targetting 15 Indian cities, forcing another response from the Indian forces.
