Drone Intrusions, Explosions Rock Punjab Border Districts; Red Alerts in Amritsar, Bathinda

Multiple drone sightings and explosions were reported across Punjab’s border districts including Ferozepur, Amritsar, Pathankot, and Tarn Taran late Friday and early Saturday. Similar explosion-like sounds were also heard in Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur, adding to the growing tension along the border.

In Ferozepur, at least three drones crashed in residential areas, damaging several houses and injuring three people, one of whom is in critical condition. One drone reportedly fell on the home of a local businessman, Shivam Grover, though his family had fortunately relocated earlier. Another incident in Khai Femeke village, near the cantonment, saw a drone cause a car to catch fire.

Amid escalating activity, Red Alerts were issued in Amritsar and Bathinda on Saturday morning. Authorities urged residents to remain indoors and take necessary safety precautions. Ferozepur Deputy Commissioner Deepsikha Sharma also appealed to residents to stay inside as sirens were set to be activated, asking them to wait for official clearance from the administration.

Punjab authorities continued enforcing blackouts in most districts, shutting down markets and restaurants between 7 pm and 8 pm. On Friday, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann directed ministers to remain stationed in border districts, with government staff ordered to stay at their posts.

In Amritsar, residents reported hearing loud blasts and spotting swarms of drones near the airport and Chheharta, close to the cantonment. Similar drone-like flashes were seen in Lopoke town near the international border.

A blast was reported from the Air Force Station in Bathinda late Friday night. Further details are awaited, according to SSP Bathinda Amneet Kondal.

In Jalandhar, at least eight explosions occurred around 1:40 am in the villages of Kangniwal and Mahaddipur, damaging vehicles and causing cracks in houses. One person sleeping on a rooftop in Kangniwal sustained injuries.

Tarn Taran Deputy Commissioner Rahul confirmed that the blast-like sounds were likely from the thwarting of drone attacks, with no injuries reported there.

Meanwhile, intense drone activity was also reported in Pathankot, where residents heard explosions late into the night and early morning. In Hoshiarpur’s Mukerian subdivision, residents of Unchi Bassi reported witnessing nearly a dozen blasts, accompanied by sharp laser-like lights in the sky.

The situation remains tense as security forces and district administrations stay on high alert.