Residents in Rajasthan’s border district of Jaisalmer expressed relief and pride after Indian Air Defence systems successfully intercepted and destroyed multiple Pakistani drones on the night of May 8–9, neutralising what could have been a major cross-border assault.
Speaking to ANI, locals described an initial moment of fear when explosions were heard following a blackout around 9 PM, but that fear quickly turned into confidence and joy after learning all the drones were shot down mid-air.
“After the sudden strike, we were fearful, but the Pakistani drones were all neutralised. There is peace now. We support our Army and Air Force completely,” said one local resident.
Another added, “At first, we thought it was firecrackers. Then we realised they were real bombs aimed at us. Thankfully, none landed, and we’re proud of our defence systems. There’s no atmosphere of fear anymore.”
Some residents also cheered reports of Pakistani fighter jets like F-16s and JF-17s being downed, saying this was a testament to India’s superior military strength. “India is far stronger than Pakistan. They will always fail,” one person said.
The Indian Army confirmed that the attempted drone strikes were part of a broader series of ceasefire violations and munitions attacks launched by Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC) and the western border. The Indian Armed Forces responded under Operation Sindoor, which also targeted and destroyed nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADG PI) stated on X that all drone attacks were “effectively repulsed” and ceasefire violations were met with a strong retaliatory response, reaffirming India’s commitment to protecting its territorial integrity.
The attempted infiltration via drones, reportedly part of a larger Pakistani offensive involving over 50 UAVs, was repelled by coordinated counter-drone operations across Jammu, Samba, Udhampur, Nagrota, Pathankot, and Akhnoor—a demonstration of India’s growing counter-UAS capabilities.
Despite the attacks, no civilian casualties or major damage were reported, and the border villages now remain calm, bolstered by public trust in India’s defence preparedness.
