Red streaks & explosions as Army downs drones over Samba

Srinagar/Jammu, May 12: Fresh drone sightings were reported in several areas of Jammu, including Samba, Udhampur, RS Pura, and Jammu city, near the international border, prompting a swift response from India’s air defense systems. The Army successfully intercepted and shot down several Pakistani drones, officials confirmed.
A senior officer from the Indian Army, speaking to Rising Kashmir, confirmed that a small number of suspected drones were observed near Samba and said, “The drones are being engaged. There is no need to be alarmed,” he said.
In Samba, residents reported seeing red streaks in the sky and hearing explosions as the air defense system intercepted the drones. In response, authorities issued an alert and declared a blackout in several areas, including Gajansoo, Bari Brahmana, Sainik Colony, and Vaishno Devi, as well as along the Yatra track.
Meanwhile, shelling was reported in the Pargwal and Keri Battal sectors of Akhnoor and Sunderbani, following a ceasefire violation. Eyewitnesses in Samba, RS Pura, Arnia, and other areas reported hearing loud explosions between 8:15 and 8:30 PM. The blasts were especially intense in the Khargal, Pargwal, and Keri Bhattal areas of Akhnoor.
The situation escalated when explosions were heard in Samba sector, triggering a complete blackout across the district. Sources said the drone activity began around 8:30 PM, with multiple drones hovering above the Northern Command and Air Force Station in Udhampur.
As a precautionary measure, authorities continued to monitor the situation, and a blackout was enforced in several Jammu districts, including RS Pura, Samba, Bari Brahmana, and Sainik Colony.