Kumar Bahukhandi
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, Colonel Sofia Qureshi – Photo: ANI
Colonel Sofia Qureshi said, ‘On the intervening night of 8-9 May, the Pakistani army violated Indian airspace several times over the entire western border with the intention of targeting military infrastructure. The Pakistani army also fired heavy caliber weapons on the Line of Control. 300-400 drones were used for infiltration at 36 places on the international border and the Line of Control. India shot down many of these drones.’
New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs once again held a press conference on Thursday regarding the cowardly actions of Pakistan, which is frustrated by ‘Operation Sindoor’. During this, the Indian Army exposed the evil face and intentions of Pakistan. Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh along with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri gave information about the attacks by Pakistan on the night of 8 to 9 May. During this, the biggest disclosure was that Pakistan tried to infiltrate with 300-400 drones at 36 places from Leh to Sir Creek on the International Border and the Line of Control. These drones are said to be Turkish.
It was told in the press conference that the Pakistani Army attacked Indian areas with the intention of targeting military infrastructure. Pakistan tried to infiltrate at 36 places. 300 to 400 drones were sent by Pakistan. Investigation has revealed that the drones were Turkish-made. Despite this tense situation and the possibility of India’s retaliation, Pakistan did not close its civilian airspace. He is using it as a shield. We retaliated and destroyed another of his air defense systems.
‘Attempted infiltration with 300-400 drones at 36 places from Leh to Sir Creek’
Colonel Sofia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh said, ‘The Pakistani army violated Indian airspace several times along the entire western border with the intention of targeting military infrastructure. The Pakistani army also fired heavy caliber weapons on the Line of Control. An infiltration attempt was made using 300-400 drones at 36 places from Leh to Sir Creek on the international border and the Line of Control. The Indian armed forces shot down several drones with kinetic and non-kinetic means. The possible purpose of large-scale air intrusion through drones was to test the country’s air defense systems and gather intelligence. Forensic investigation of the drone debris is being conducted. Initial investigation has revealed that they are Turkish drones.’
‘Passenger planes used as shields’
He said, ‘Pakistan did not close its civilian airspace despite launching an unsuccessful unprovoked drone and missile attack at 8:30 pm on May 7. Pakistan is using civilian aircraft as a shield, knowing full well that it will receive a swift air defense response after its attack on India. This is not safe for all civilian aircraft, including international aircraft flying near the international border between India and Pakistan. We are also showing you a screenshot, it shows the data of Application Flight Radar 24 during the high air defense alert status in the Punjab sector. As you have seen, the airspace on the Indian side is completely empty of civilian air traffic due to our announced closure. However, civilian aircraft are flying on the air route between Karachi and Lahore. The Indian Air Force has shown great restraint in its response, ensuring the safety of international civilian carriers.’
‘Another Pakistani air defence radar destroyed in retaliation’
He said, ‘Pakistan fired across the Line of Control using heavy calibre artillery guns and armed drones in Tangdhar, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar, Rajouri, Akhnoor and Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir. Some Indian Army personnel were killed. India also suffered heavy losses in retaliation. Apart from this, Pakistan’s armed UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) also tried to target the Bathinda military station at night, which was caught and neutralised. In response to the Pakistani attack, armed drones were launched at four air defence sites in Pakistan. One of these drones was able to destroy the AD radar.’
