New Delhi: Two senior women officers, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force, joined Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Friday to brief the international media on Operation Sindoor, India’s strategic response to recent cross-border aggression from Pakistan.

During the briefing, Colonel Qureshi revealed that on the night of May 7 and 8, the Pakistani army carried out multiple violations of Indian airspace across the entire western border. The provocations included the use of heavy caliber weapons along the Line of Control (LoC) and the deployment of an estimated 300 to 400 drones at 36 separate locations in a coordinated infiltration attempt.

“Our armed forces successfully shot down many of these drones using both kinetic and non-kinetic means,” said Colonel Qureshi. She explained that the large-scale aerial intrusions were likely an attempt to test India’s air defence capabilities and collect tactical intelligence on key military infrastructure.

Forensic analysis of the wreckage is underway, and initial reports point to Turkish-origin Asisguard Songar drones being used in the operation. These drones are known for their ability to carry small arms and conduct surveillance.

In retaliation, the Indian Armed Forces carried out targeted counterstrikes, as confirmed by Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, “In response to the Pakistani attack, armed drones were launched at four air defence sites in Pakistan. One drone successfully destroyed an AD radar.”

While acknowledging some casualties and injuries on the Indian side due to artillery shelling and armed drone attacks by Pakistan along the Line of Control, Singh stated that Pakistan also suffered losses in Indian retaliatory fire.

Wing Commander Singh of the Indian Air Force revealed that Pakistan launched an unprovoked drone and missile assault on May 7 at 8:30 p.m., while intentionally keeping its civilian airspace open, putting international flights at grave risk.

“Pakistan is using civil airliner as a shield, knowing fully well that its attack on India would elicit a swift air defence response,” said Wing Commander Singh. “This is not safe for the unsuspecting civil airliners, including the international flights which were flying near IB between India and Pakistan.”

She added that while India closed its airspace in line with standard operating procedures during such high-alert situations, civilian aircraft were seen flying between Karachi and Lahore, even as Pakistan was engaged in hostile aerial action. “Indian Air force demonstrated considerable restraint in its response thus ensuring safety of international civil carriers,” she stressed.

Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri denounced Pakistan’s “blatantly farcical denial” of its military aggression, calling it a “new depth of duplicity” by the Pakistani state.

“These provocative and escalatory actions taken by Pakistan last night were targeted not only at Indian military establishments but also at cities and civilian infrastructure,” Misri stated. “India’s response was proportionate, adequate, and responsible.”

India’s disclosures come amid growing international concern over the potential for escalation between two countries.