Six Killed, Over 20 Injured in Pakistan Shelling and Drone Attacks Across Jammu Region

At least six people, including a senior government official and an Indian Army Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO), were killed and more than 20 others injured on Saturday (May 10) in intense shelling and drone strikes by Pakistan across Jammu, defence and civil officials said.

Explosions rocked major towns, air raid sirens wailed through the early morning hours, and the Indian Army’s air defence system intercepted incoming kamikaze drones. The strikes marked a significant escalation days after India’s precision military operations targeted terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under Operation Sindoor.
What happened on Saturday in Jammu?

Beginning around 5 am, Pakistani forces launched mortar shells and kamikaze drones at various locations across the Jammu region. Explosions were heard in Jammu city, Rajouri, Poonch, and surrounding areas. The strikes hit both military positions and civilian areas.

Who were the casualties?

Six people were confirmed killed:

• Raj Kumar Thapa, Additional District Development Commissioner of Rajouri, died after an artillery shell struck his official residence.
• Subedar Major Pawan Kumar, from Himachal Pradesh, was killed in a shell explosion at his post in Krishna Ghati sector, Poonch.
• Two-year-old Aisha Noor died in shelling near Rajouri’s industrial zone.
• 35-year-old Mohd Shohib died in shelling near Rajouri’s industrial zone.
• Rashida Bi, 55, was killed when a mortar hit her home in Kanghra-Galhutta village, Mendhar sector.
• Zakir Hussain, 45, died in Kheri Keran village near Jammu’s Bantalab area.

Over 20 others were injured across various districts, including a local journalist in Nowshera and civilians in Rehari and Roop Nagar areas of Jammu.

What did the officials say?

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited affected localities and announced Rs 10 lakh ex-gratia compensation for the families of those killed. He also expressed shock over the death of ADC Raj Kumar Thapa, calling him a “dedicated officer” who had participated in official meetings just a day earlier.

Defence officials called Pakistan’s actions a “blatant attempt” to endanger civilians and violate India’s sovereignty.

“Indian Army will thwart all enemy designs,” they said.

The Border Security Force (BSF) added that Pakistan Rangers opened fire on BSF posts starting at 9 p.m. on May 9, without provocation. BSF said it responded “in a commensurate manner” and inflicted “widespread damage” on Pakistani positions.

What about drone attacks?

Indian Army’s Air Defence units intercepted multiple kamikaze drones, destroying them mid-air. Debris was found in areas like Bishnah and Parmandal, drawing crowds before police moved in to cordon off the sites.

Police warned that remnants of drones could contain explosive material and advised the public not to approach or touch them.

Why is this escalation taking place now?

Tensions have sharply risen after the Indian military conducted air-launched precision strikes on May 7 against terror camps in Pakistan and PoK. These strikes were a direct response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which was linked to cross-border groups. Pakistan’s retaliatory shelling and drone strikes appear aimed at escalating the conflict, particularly along civilian areas.