In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, Pakistan unleashed a swarm of Turkish drones in an audacious attempt to strike Indian military bases last night, risking civilian aircraft in the process. Reports confirm that officials from both sides are on high alert as this military conflict continues to unfold.

According to Indian military sources, a substantial number of these drones—estimated at 300-400—were launched towards 36 strategic locations stretching from Leh to Sir Creek, with the intent to probe and test India’s air defense capabilities.

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh recounted how India's air force intercepted and neutralized most of these aerial threats using both kinetic and non-kinetic measures. Notably, an armed drone attack aimed at Bathinda was successfully thwarted, ensuring that Indian military infrastructure remained unscathed.

Pakistani forces, however, didn't stop there. They kept their civil airspace operational during the drone assault, utilizing commercial airlines as a shield against Indian retaliation—an act deemed reckless as it endangered the lives of innocent civilians in the skies.

In retaliation, India launched drone strikes targeting four key Pakistani air defense sites, resulting in the destruction of a radar system and other military assets.

The underlying motives of these drone incursions appeared multifaceted, as Wing Commander Singh suggested they were likely aimed at assessing India's air defense prowess while gathering vital intelligence.

The tactical situation worsened as Pakistan instigated artillery shelling across the Line of Control, striking regions like Kandhan, Uri, and Poonch, causing casualties among Indian troops. Indian forces responded with fierce retaliatory actions, inflicting significant losses on the Pakistani military.

Highlighting the irresponsible nature of Pakistan's operations, Qureshi emphasized the dangers posed by leaving airspace open in the face of conflict, which could have catastrophic consequences for civilian aviation.

Both military officials displayed alarming visuals of flight movements captured on flightradar24, pointing out the stark contrast between the Indian side's closed air traffic due to high-alert conditions and Pakistan's bustling civil airline operations.

As tensions continue to escalate following India's Operation Sindoor and Pakistan's subsequent attempts at aggression, the regional balance of power hangs precariously in the balance, leaving many to wonder what might unfold next.