Jammu/IBNS: Pakistan Thursday launched major drone and missile strikes on parts of Jammu along with heavy shelling in Samba, Poonch, and other sectors along the Line of Control (LoC). India has shot down two Pakistani fighter jets including one F-16 in a retaliatory action.

Jammu was targeted with missiles and drones in an enormous escalation.

Shortly before 9 pm, loud explosions were heard across the city followed by the clamour of sirens and a blackout. 

The situation escalated with heavy artillary firing in Uri sector. Cellphone services are down.

Cellphone videos sent by locals show lights streaking across the sky, indicating interception of the missiles and drones by the Air Defence System of the Indian armed forces.

Kupwara, a town more than 300 km away, and Pathankot experienced a similar situation. Even residential areas were also targeted. Most of the border area is now under blackout.

Pakistan targeted Jammu and Jaisalemer airport but were intercepted. The security has been hightened in Jammu and Kashmir.

The cities of Jasalmer and Barmer are also witnessing complete blackouts after being targeted with drones.

According to reports, eight Pakistani missiles were intercepted by the S-400 air defence system over Jammu Civil Airport, Samba, RS Pura, Arnia, and nearby areas. Two Pakistani drones were downed near Jammu University.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the current situation.

The attack comes a day after Operation Sindoor in which the India armed forces targeted terror camps in Pakistan and PoK in a cross-border operation to avenge the Pahalgam terror strike.