Indian Army Thwarts Pakistani Attack on Golden Temple and Punjab Cities

Pakistani Military Targets Golden Temple

During a recent conflict with India, Pakistan attempted to strike the Golden Temple in Amritsar and other cities in Punjab using missiles and drones. However, the Indian Army successfully countered these efforts. On Monday, the military showcased how its air defense systems, including the Akash missile system and the L-70 air defense gun, thwarted this attack. Major General Karthik C. Sheshadri, General Officer Commanding of the 15 Infantry Division, indicated that the Indian Army had anticipated Pakistan's intention to target both civilian and military establishments, including significant religious sites like the Golden Temple, which was reportedly a primary target according to intelligence reports.

No Valid Military Targets for Pakistan

A senior Indian Army official stated that Pakistan lacked legitimate military targets, leading to expectations that they would aim for civilian and religious sites in India. He mentioned, "Knowing that the Pakistani army has no valid targets, we anticipated they would target Indian military establishments and civilian sites, including religious landmarks. The Golden Temple appeared to be the most prominent among these."

Threats Neutralized and Destroyed

Major General Sheshadri explained that additional modern air defense assets were deployed to provide comprehensive coverage for the Golden Temple. The attack occurred on the morning of May 8, when Pakistan launched a large-scale aerial assault under the cover of darkness, utilizing drones and long-range missiles. He noted, "During the early hours of May 8, Pakistan executed a massive aerial attack using unmanned aerial weapons, primarily drones and long-range missiles." The Indian Army was fully prepared and successfully neutralized all incoming threats.

All Drones and Missiles Targeting the Golden Temple Destroyed

The official remarked, "We were completely prepared as we had anticipated this, and our brave and vigilant air defense gunners thwarted the nefarious plans of the Pakistani army, destroying all drones and missiles aimed at the Golden Temple. Thus, our sacred Golden Temple remained unscathed." The Indian Army also conducted a demonstration to illustrate how its air defense systems, such as the Akash missile system and L-70 air defense gun, effectively intercepted and neutralized the incoming Pakistani drones and missiles while protecting the Golden Temple and major cities in Punjab. A statement from the Ministry of Defence previously confirmed that the overnight attacks targeted several Indian cities and military bases, including Amritsar, Jammu, Srinagar, Pathankot, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Chandigarh, and Bhuj, with explosions also reported in Kashmir.

Integrated Counter-UAS Grid and Air Defense System

The statement added, "These explosions were neutralized by an integrated counter-UAS grid and air defense system." These attacks followed India's Operation Sindoor, which was a coordinated military strike on nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. This operation was a response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22 that resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians.