ISLAMABAD: Pakistani security forces shot down six additional Indian drones on Friday in coordinated operations across Punjab, bringing the total number of downed hostile drones to 77, according to military and security sources.
The intercepted drones — reportedly of Israeli origin — were neutralized in Okara, Pakpattan, and Vehari districts. Four were shot down in Okara, while one each was intercepted over Pakpattan and Vehari. Security officials confirmed that the drones had violated Pakistani airspace and were being tracked on radar before being targeted.
“Our air defence system is fully capable of detecting and engaging small drones. All responses were carried out following strict operational protocols, particularly in zones near population centers and civilian air traffic routes,” a military spokesperson stated.
Local police said the drone wreckage landed in agricultural areas near villages 154L and 114L but fortunately caused no civilian casualties. “Swift action by our forces ensured that no harm came to residents,” a police official noted, adding that the crash sites had been secured and debris collected for forensic analysis.
The Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that surveillance is being maintained 24/7. “Our radar systems continuously monitor for aerial threats. Any such incursions are met with immediate, measured responses under an established framework,” he said.
The latest drone interceptions come on the heels of a similar operation earlier in the week, when another Indian drone was shot down in Jassar village, Narowal. Witnesses reported the drone was visible around 9:45 a.m. before it was destroyed by a precision strike from Pakistani forces.
On Thursday, Indian forces allegedly launched a wave of drone strikes across several Pakistani regions. According to Pakistani military sources, 25 drones were neutralized in those attacks, which also resulted in the deaths of three civilians and injuries to several others, including four Pakistani soldiers.
