India hits back hard, launching strikes after Pakistan’s assault on 26 locations; LoC tensions escalate

Udhampur (Jammu and Kashmir): In swift retaliation to Pakistan's assault on 26 Indian locations on Saturday, India launched targeted strikes, sources told ANI.

Intermittent firing continues at several points along the Line of Control (LoC).

Meanwhile, smoke was seen billowing following a loud explosion in the Dibber area of Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur.

In the Rajouri region, a series of continuous explosions caused damage to houses and property.

Loud blasts were also reported in Rajouri and Akhnoor in Jammu and Kashmir.

Earlier, a day after Indian air defence foiled Pakistan’s attempt to strike civilian infrastructure along the LoC and the International Border, Pakistani drones were again spotted on Friday in the Jammu, Samba, and Pathankot sectors.

India had earlier responded with precision strikes targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), after the escalation triggered by Pakistan through the Pahalgam terror attack.

Pakistan has since resorted to further escalation, which is being met with appropriate countermeasures by the Indian Defence Forces.

Following the 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that left 26 people dead, the Indian Armed Forces launched 'Operation Sindoor' on Wednesday, destroying nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and PoJK.

Previously, during the night of 7–8 May, Indian Armed Forces successfully thwarted a large-scale drone and missile attack by Pakistan targeting multiple Indian military installations across Northern and Western India. An air defence system in Lahore was also neutralised. | ANI