–Pakistan Conspired to Tarnish India’s image by using Civilian Aircraft as Shields
New Delhi : In a joint press briefing by the Indian Foreign Ministry and the Army on Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army’s mission to destroy terrorist hideouts in Pakistan, Pakistan’s nefarious attempt to target the army and the common people in India was revealed. In this press briefing, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Colonel Sofia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh gave information about Pakistan’s nefarious conspiracies and India’s retaliatory action after that. This was the third consecutive press conference of the Indian Foreign Ministry after the start of Operation Sindoor. Earlier, information was also given about the action taken under Operation Sindoor on 7 and 8 May.
Addressing the journalists, Colonel Sofia said, “On the night of 8-9, Pakistan attacked with the aim of targeting military bases. The meaning of such a big drone attack was that they wanted to find out the strength of India’s air defense system. These drones belonged to Turkey. India destroyed most of the drones. Pakistan attacked with more than 400 drones at 36 places.” Colonel Sofia said, “Initial investigation has revealed that the drones used by Pakistan belonged to Turkey. Bathinda military base was targeted, an attempt was made with a UAV, which was destroyed. Some Indian Army soldiers were killed in Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistani army also suffered heavy losses.”
Colonel Sofia said, “India launched 4 retaliatory drones. Pakistan is using its civilian aircraft as a shield. Pakistan kept the flight from Karachi to Lahore operational during the attack. Pakistan landed the flight from Dammam to Lahore during the attack. India did not allow any civilian aircraft to be damaged.”
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh said, “In response to the Pakistani attack, armed drones were fired at four air defense sites of Pakistan. One of these drones was capable of destroying the AD radar. Pakistan also fired across the Line of Control using heavy caliber guns and armed drones, resulting in some casualties and injuries to the Indian Army soldiers. Pakistani army also suffered heavy losses in Indian retaliation.”
Colonel Qureshi said that 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.
-Their purpose was to gather intelligence and information about air defense systems. These were Turkish drones. They are being investigated. There was also a UAV, which was deactivated. Initial investigation has revealed that all these were Turkish drones.
-It attacked Pakistan’s Bhatinda Air Base. In response to Pakistan, India launched 4 drones. Due to which the AD radar was destroyed.
Firing was also done on the border. Due to this some Indian soldiers were injured. Pakistan has also suffered heavy losses. -Earlier in the press briefing held on Thursday, Indian officials had said that a restrained, focused and accurate response has been given to the recent aggressive action taken by Pakistan.
-Wing Commander Vyomika Singh said, Pakistan fired heavily on the LoC, some soldiers were injured in it. On 7 May 2025, at 8:30 pm, missile and drone attacks were carried out and during that time our airspace was not closed. Civilians were used as shields.
-It was told that during the high air defense alert in the Punjab sector, our airspace is closed for civilian flights, but civilian flights were operating in Pakistan’s territory. The Indian Air Force showed restraint in its response and ensured the safety of international civilian air service.
-Army officials said that on 7 May 2025, at 8:30 pm, missile and drone attacks were carried out and during that time our airspace was not closed. Civilians were used as shields.