Were Multiple Enemy-Armed Drones Destroyed in Amritsar?

Synopsis
In a dramatic escalation of tensions, the Indian Army has successfully intercepted and destroyed multiple enemy drones over Amritsar's Khasa Cantonment. This incident underscores the ongoing threats faced along India's western borders, as officials remain on high alert.
Key Takeaways
- Indian Army destroys enemy drones over Amritsar.
- Escalating tensions along the western border.
- Jalandhar and Pathankot on high alert due to explosions.
- Punjab deploys anti-drone systems for enhanced security.
- Government aims to combat drug smuggling linked to terrorism.
Chandigarh, May 10 (NationPress) Several enemy-armed drones were detected over Khasa Cantonment in Amritsar, Punjab, and were promptly engaged and eliminated by air defence units, according to the Indian Army's statement on Saturday.
“Pakistan's blatant escalation with drone strikes and other munitions continues along our western borders. In one such incident, today at approximately 5 a.m., multiple enemy armed drones were observed flying over Khasa Cantt, Amritsar,” stated the Additional Directorate General of Public Information on X.
“The hostile drones were immediately engaged and neutralized by our air defence units,” it added.
“Pakistan's blatant attempt to violate India's sovereignty and endanger civilians is unacceptable. The Indian Army is committed to thwarting enemy designs,” it further noted.
Civil administration representatives reported that several explosions were also heard in Jalandhar city on the night of May 10. Residents in Kangniwal village, near the Adampur Air Force station, were startled awake by a loud explosion. Fragments of missiles were discovered in Mand Maur village near Kartarpur, as well as in Rampur Khalian village near Phagwara, where an eight-foot-deep crater was formed in the fields.
Deputy Commissioner of Jalandhar, Himanshu Aggarwal, conveyed in a message, “Jalandhar was on red alert all night. Many objects were observed and neutralized by the armed forces. Please remain calm and stay indoors as much as possible.”
Explosions were additionally reported in Pathankot district early Saturday morning, with no official confirmation available. Authorities implemented a total blackout in Pathankot, urging residents to remain inside.
A loud bang was heard in Sirsa, Haryana, near the airport, on Friday night when a missile-like object fell from the sky. Villagers reached the area and found a heavy metallic object resembling a missile.
Local authorities informed the Army, and police officials reported that the metallic remains resemble a missile, adding that an investigation is underway.
The Punjab Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, announced on Friday the deployment of nine anti-drone systems along the Pakistan border.
“We are prepared to counter Pakistan's conspiracy as monitoring will be conducted through a high-tech system,” a government statement read. It added that the government's actions “will significantly undermine terrorism.”
The statement also indicated that the government is actively addressing the drug trade that finances terrorism, as the anti-drone systems will be deployed for the first time to combat drone-assisted drug smuggling.
“Border security will now be enhanced,” it stated, emphasizing the AAP government's “political will.” In the meantime, amid rising tensions, the AAP government in Punjab, which shares a 532-km border with Pakistan, has assigned Cabinet ministers to oversee all six sensitive border districts—Ferozpur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Tarn Taran—already placed on high alert.