India-Pak War: 7 terrorists reportedly killed in Pak's Samba infiltration bid; J&K on high alert; schools, colleges shut

Indo-Pak War News: Seven terrorists were reportedly gunned down by Border Security Force (BSF) troops during a foiled infiltration attempt in Jammu and Kashmir’s Samba district on Friday. 

According to an IANS report citing BSF sources, a heavily armed group of terrorists, with covering fire from Pakistan Rangers, attempted to cross into Indian territory through the International Border. “Seven terrorists have been killed during this foiled infiltration bid. The operation is still going on in the area,” sources said, IANS reported.

The infiltration bid was thwarted around 11pm on Thursday. Terrorists were forced to retreat under heavy retaliatory fire from Indian troops, according to a BSF spokesperson. The attempt came after drones and low-range missiles targeted defence installations in Jammu, Samba, R.S. Pura and surrounding areas. However, these threats were neutralised mid-air by the armed forces’ air defence systems.

As a precaution, a complete blackout was enforced in Jammu and Srinagar following air raid sirens warning of possible attacks. Power supply has since been restored in both cities.

Also Read:Rafale vs F-16: How India and Pakistan's top fighter jets stack up after Operation Sindoor 

India-Pak Tensions: Schools, universities to remain shut

In light of the situation, authorities have ordered the closure of all educational institutions across Jammu and Kashmir for two days.  “Keeping in view the safety of students, all the private and government schools, colleges and universities will remain closed on Friday and Saturday,” said Sakina Itoo, the Education Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.

"Classes will remain suspended at the university on Friday,” confirmed Naseer Iqbal, Registrar of Kashmir University. The situation remains tense, with security forces maintaining high alert along both the International Border and the Line of Control.

Indian forces foil strikes at 15 locations across north, west India

India on Thursday night successfully repelled fresh attempts by Pakistan to target military installations using drones and missiles in areas including Jammu and Pathankot. This came after similar infiltration and strike bids were foiled at over 15 locations across northern and western India, amid rapidly escalating tensions between the two nations and growing fears of a broader conflict, as PTI reported.

The renewed offensive, along with heavy shelling by Pakistani forces along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan, followed India’s targeted airstrikes earlier in the day. One such strike reportedly “neutralised” a Pakistani air defence system in Lahore.

Also Read: Indo-Pak War Live: 7 terrorists reportedly killed as BSF foils Pak infiltration bid in J&K's Samba

On Wednesday, the Indian armed forces had launched ‘Operation Sindoor,’ executing precision missile strikes on nine terror-linked targets located in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and across Pakistan.

Reaffirming India’s stance, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) warned that any attack on Indian military facilities would be met with a “suitable response.” Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that the onus of de-escalation rests with Pakistan, as India’s military actions were in direct response to the “original escalation” caused by the Pahalgam massacre.

(With inputs from agencies)