India 'neutralises' Lahore's air defense in response to the Pakistani drone-missile attack

This developing situation marks one of the most serious escalations between India and Pakistan in recent years, following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. Here are the key points summarizing the intense military exchanges and political fallout:

1. Operation Sindoor:

   • India launched a joint Army-IAF offensive targeting nine terror camps linked to JeM and LeT across Pakistan and PoK.

   • Carried out using Rafale air-to-surface missiles and Army’s surface-to-surface missiles.

   • Over 100 terrorists reportedly killed, according to sources.

   • India asserts no Pakistani military assets were hit and that strikes were carefully calibrated to avoid civilian casualties.

2. Pakistan's Retaliation:

   • On the night of May 7–8, Pakistan attempted drone and missile strikes on 15 Indian military sites across Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and western India.

   • India’s Integrated Counter UAS Grid and S-400 ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ systems successfully intercepted all threats.

   • The S-400 system's 600 km detection range was reportedly crucial in preventing damage.

3. India’s Counter-Strike on Pakistan’s Air Defences:

   • In response, India used Israeli-made HAROP loitering drones to strike HQ-9 air defence systems in Lahore and other locations.

   • Lahore's system was reportedly destroyed, effectively blinding air defence in that sector.

   • The Pakistani army acknowledged a drone crash in Lahore and damage across several regions but claimed to have downed 12 others.

4. Casualties and Civilian Impact:

   • Pakistan reported one civilian death in Miano (Sindh) and four army personnel injured in Lahore.

   • Along the LoC, 16 Indian civilians were killed due to Pakistani artillery shelling.

   • India retaliated to silence Pakistan’s fire using its own artillery units.

5. Local Panic and Disruptions in Pakistan:

   • Explosions in Lahore near Walton airport caused panic; sirens blared and people fled into the streets.

   • Temporary suspension of flight operations at Lahore, Karachi, and Sialkot airports.

6. Diplomatic Tensions Rising:

   • Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif condemned Operation Sindoor as an "act of war."

   • India reiterated its intent to avoid escalation as long as Pakistan does not provoke further.

This series of events represents a calibrated but forceful show of military capability and resolve from both sides. However, both countries have so far avoided full-scale conventional war tactics, maintaining some level of strategic restraint.