Pakistan attempted to target Golden Temple in Amritsar with drones and missiles, says Army

How Indian Forces prevented damage to the Golden Temple in drone attacks

On the night of May 7–8, Pakistan attempted an aerial strike targeting the Golden Temple in Amritsar, using drones and long-range missiles. This was confirmed by Major General Kartik C Seshadri, General Officer Commanding of the 15th Infantry Division. The attempted attack was a retaliatory move following India’s Operation Sindoor, which struck nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

India anticipated civilian and religious targets

According to Major General Seshadri, India had anticipated a potential response targeting civilian and religious landmarks, as Pakistan lacked legitimate military targets. Among these, the Golden Temple was seen as a probable objective.

“Knowing that the Pakistan Army has no valid military targets, we expected them to aim at Indian military bases, civilian zones, and religious sites. The Golden Temple appeared to be the most likely target,” he stated.

Air defence reinforced around the Golden Temple

To counter this possibility, Indian forces deployed enhanced air defence systems in and around the Golden Temple. Modern air defence assets were positioned to provide full coverage and ensure the protection of the religious site.

Pakistan’s air assault neutralized

In the early morning hours of May 8, Pakistan launched a large-scale aerial attack under the cover of darkness. The offensive involved drones and long-range missiles aimed at Indian territory.

“We were fully prepared. Our alert air defence teams intercepted and destroyed every drone and missile. Not a single device reached the Golden Temple,” said Major General Seshadri.

The Indian Army used systems such as the AKASH missile system and L-70 air defence guns to intercept the incoming threats. A demonstration was later conducted to showcase the capability of these defence systems.

Wider targeting of Indian cities

The Defence Ministry confirmed that multiple Indian cities were also targeted in the overnight attack. These included Amritsar, Jammu, Srinagar, Pathankot, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Chandigarh, and Bhuj. Loud explosions were reported across Kashmir, though no significant damage was recorded.

“All threats were neutralized using the Integrated Counter-UAS Grid and Air Defence systems,” the ministry said in an official statement.

Background: Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam attack

The Pakistani strike came after India launched Operation Sindoor, a strategic operation targeting nine terrorist camps in response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. India’s proactive military action marked a strong response to rising cross-border threats.

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