Pakistan downs six more Indian drones, total now at 77 PHOTO / VIDEO

Pakistani security forces shot down six additional Indian drones on May 9 in coordinated operations across Punjab province, bringing the total number of downed hostile unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to 77.

The intercepted drones — reportedly of Israeli origin — were engaged in separate incidents across the Okara, Pakpattan, and Vehari districts. Four of the drones were shot down in Okara, while one each was brought down in Pakpattan and Vehari, Caliber.Az reports via Pakistan’s TV.

Security forces tracked the drones using radar systems before neutralising them in what officials described as well-coordinated defensive responses. 

“Our air defence system has the capability to detect and track even small drones,” a military spokesperson stated, emphasising that operations followed standard protocols, especially in areas close to civilian populations and commercial flight corridors. 

Local police confirmed that the drone wreckage landed in agricultural fields near densely populated areas, including near villages 154L and 114L. No casualties were reported in the incidents. 

“The drones were immediately tracked and shot down upon entering our airspace. Timely action by the forces ensured the safety of civilian lives,” said a police official, noting that security teams secured the crash sites and collected debris for further analysis.

The Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reiterated the military’s preparedness. 

“Whenever such activity is observed, it is swiftly responded to under a defined operational framework. Our radar systems maintain continuous surveillance,” he said. 

The latest drone interceptions follow a similar event earlier this week in the Jassar area of Narowal district, where another Indian UAV was destroyed. Eyewitnesses reported the drone was spotted around 9:45 a.m. (GMT+5) before it was downed by a rocket fired by Pakistani forces. 

The spike in aerial engagements comes after a broader wave of drone activity attributed to India. According to military officials, 25 drones were intercepted during that incursion. The attacks resulted in the deaths of three civilians and injuries to several others, including four Pakistani soldiers.

By Naila Huseynova