Did Pakistan Really Use Civilian Flights as Shields Against Drone Attacks?
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Synopsis
Tensions between India and Pakistan escalate as Pakistan temporarily shuts its airspace following accusations of using civilian flights as shields during drone attacks. This article explores the implications of this decision and the heightened military activities along the border.
Key Takeaways
- Pakistan temporarily closed its airspace in response to heightened tensions.
- India accused Pakistan of using civilian flights as a shield.
- Drone activities were reported along India's northern and western borders.
- India successfully intercepted several drones during operations.
- Prime Minister Modi convened a high-level security review.
New Delhi, May 10 (NationPress) On Saturday, Pakistan temporarily closed its airspace, just hours after India accused it of employing commercial flights as shields during drone strikes.
This decision was issued through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) amid rising tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations.
The action followed a night filled with drone activity near India's northern and western borders, with reports of Pakistani drones spotted at 26 different locations stretching from Baramulla in the North to Bhuj in the South, as stated by the Defence Ministry.
These sightings included suspected armed drones that could potentially threaten both civilian and military sites, the Ministry added.
The targeted areas included Baramulla, Srinagar, Avantipora, Nagrota, Jammu, Ferozpur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Lalgarh Jatta, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bhuj, Kuarbet, and Lakhi Nala.
Several of these locations are critical, featuring major airfields, forward military bases, and civil aviation facilities. Fortunately, India successfully defended against each assault.
India has accused Pakistan of jeopardizing international air traffic by keeping its airspace open while conducting drone and missile operations.
"Pakistan is utilizing civil airliners as a shield, fully aware that its attacks on India would provoke a rapid air defence response. This poses a significant risk to unsuspecting civil airliners, including international flights near the India-Pakistan border," stated Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Army during a press briefing on Friday, alongside Wing Commander Vyomika Singh from the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
Pakistan reportedly deployed between 300 and 400 drones, preliminarily identified as Turkish-made Asisguard Songar models, on the nights of May 8 and 9. Many were intercepted using a blend of kinetic and electronic warfare systems, such as the Barak-8 and S-400 Triumph missile defence systems, Akash SAMs, and indigenous anti-drone technologies.
"The magnitude of this operation indicates a calculated military effort to evaluate our readiness. We responded appropriately," Wing Commander Singh said during the briefing.
Targeted locations included Srinagar airport, Awantipora airbase, Nagrota, Jammu, Pathankot, Fazilka, and Jaisalmer.
In Ferozpur, a drone strike on a civilian area resulted in injuries to three local family members. Fortunately, no damage was reported to Indian military installations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a high-level security review meeting late Friday night, which included Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, and the service chiefs.
Earlier on Friday, PM Modi also consulted former military chiefs to gather their insights on the evolving situation.
Home Minister Amit Shah assessed the civil preparedness in states adjacent to the Pakistan border, especially around airports and high-value targets.
Point of View
It is crucial to present an unbiased narrative. The ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan reflect deep-rooted issues that require careful analysis. While safety concerns regarding air traffic are valid, both nations must navigate this situation with diplomacy to avoid escalation.
NationPress
21/05/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Pakistan close its airspace?
Pakistan closed its airspace temporarily following accusations from India that it was using civilian flights as shields amid drone attacks.
What types of drones were reported?
The drones reportedly deployed were preliminarily identified as Turkish-made Asisguard Songar models.
How did India respond to the drone threats?
India successfully intercepted the drones using various defence systems including the Barak-8 and S-400 missile platforms.
What were the targeted locations during the drone activities?
Key locations included Baramulla, Srinagar, Jammu, and several military bases and airfields.
Were there any civilian casualties from the drone attacks?
Yes, in Ferozpur, a drone strike injured three members of a local family.
