In a troubling escalation of hostilities, a Pakistani drone struck a residential area in Firozpur, Punjab, on the evening of May 9, 2025, injuring three members of a family. This incident marks a significant uptick in aerial threats from across the border, coinciding with widespread blackouts and heightened military alerts in multiple districts.
According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Firozpur, Bhupinder Singh Sidhu, the drone attack resulted in burn injuries for the victims, who were promptly rushed to a local hospital for treatment. Dr. Kamal Bagi, overseeing their care, reported, "Due to a drone bomb, three people got injured. Out of these, the condition of a woman is critical; she has suffered severe burns. The other two have lesser burns. We have immediately started their treatment. They are from the same family." The attack has raised alarms as it comes amidst ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan.
In addition to the Firozpur incident, Pakistani drones were spotted near the Kartarpur Corridor in Dera Baba Nanak, Gurdaspur, on the same day. Indian forces successfully neutralized these drones, but the situation remains precarious, with authorities imposing a complete blackout in Firozpur, Fazilka, Muktsar, and Sangrur districts as a precautionary measure.
Residents across Punjab, including Pathankot, Firozpur, Amritsar, and Hoshiarpur, reported hearing loud explosion-like sounds, which caused panic. Local authorities issued advisories urging residents to turn off all lights, including mobile phones and inverters, and to cover windows with curtains to avoid detection. In Hoshiarpur, the blackout took effect at 8:15 PM, with Deputy Commissioner Ashika Jain appealing for calm and cooperation from the public.
This marked the second consecutive night of blackouts and explosive sounds for residents in Pathankot, a situation that has left many feeling anxious and vulnerable. The blackouts were implemented as a direct response to the heightened aerial threats, with security forces on high alert following India's interception of multiple Pakistani drones in Jammu and Pathankot on May 8, 2025.
On that night, Indian armed forces conducted precision missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as part of 'Operation Sindoor'. This operation was a retaliatory measure following intense shelling by Pakistani forces along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB) in Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan.
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, during a press briefing, revealed that between 300 and 400 drones had been deployed across 36 locations, with many neutralized by Indian forces. The drones, believed to be Turkish-made Asisguard Songar models, were reportedly used to test India's air defense systems and gather intelligence.
As the situation continues to unfold, the Indian government has condemned Pakistan's actions, lodging formal protests while maintaining a heightened security presence along the border. The conflict shows no signs of de-escalation, with residents in border districts remaining on edge.
In summary, the drone strike in Firozpur has heightened fears among residents and prompted a robust military response from India. As tensions escalate, the implications for both nations remain uncertain, with the potential for further conflict looming as both sides prepare for the next steps in this ongoing crisis.
