New Delhi: Pakistan launched 300–400 Turkish drones in wide-scale attacks on Indian military sites late Thursday night, targeting nearly 36 locations from Leh to Sir Creek, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi stated at a joint press briefing by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Ministry of Defence this evening.

Addressing the media, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi said, “On the night of May 7 and 8, the Pakistani army violated Indian airspace several times over the entire western border with the intention of targeting military infrastructure. Not only this, the Pakistani army also fired heavy-calibre weapons along the Line of Control. From Leh to Sir Creek on the international border and LoC, around 300 to 400 drones were used to attempt infiltration at 36 locations. The Indian armed forces shot down many of these drones using kinetic and non-kinetic means. The possible purpose of such large-scale aerial intrusions was to test air defence systems and collect intelligence. Forensic investigation of the wreckage of the drones is being done. Initial reports suggest that they are Turkish Asisguard Songar drones.”

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh stated, “Pakistan did not close its civil airspace despite it launching a failed unprovoked drone and missile attack on May 7 at 08:30 hours in the evening. Pakistan is using civil airliners as a shield, knowing fully well that its attack on India would elicit a swift air defence response. This is not safe for the unsuspecting civil airliners, including the international flights which were flying near the IB between India and Pakistan.”

“Pakistan spread disinformation that India targeted the Nankana Sahib Gurdwara through a drone attack, which is yet another blatant lie… Pakistan is trying desperately to impart a communal hue to the situation with an intention to create communal discord,” said Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. DeshGujarat