Explosions, Drones Hit Rajasthan Border Districts

A series of explosions were reported early on Saturday morning in the border districts of Jaisalmer, Sriganganagar, and Barmer, following which the authorities sounded an alert in Jodhpur.

Authorities have issued urgent advisories asking residents to remain indoors, and sirens have been sounded across several towns.

In a post on social media platform X, the District Collector of Jodhpur said, "Alert, possible air strike, siren to be sounded, all to move inside and roads cleared."

In the post, the District Collector also tagged Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and DIPR Rajasthan.

Meanwhile, on the administrative front, Chief Minister Sharma has convened an all-party meeting at the Chief Minister’s Office in Jaipur.

A red alert has been issued in Jodhpur, Churu, Barmer, Hanumangarh, and Bikaner (Nal area).

In light of confirmed drone activity, district collectors have appealed to the public to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.

In Sriganganagar, residents reported hearing four loud explosions. Power outages have been reported in parts of the district. Meanwhile, in Jaisalmer, drone or missile debris has been recovered following early-morning explosions.

Similar fragments were also found in Balotra (Barmer) and Bikaner. In Balasar village (Nohar area, Hanumangarh), a loud blast at 3 a.m. was accompanied by a bright light.

In the morning, farmers discovered missile-like iron fragments between Shyorani and Balasar villages.

Police and Army officials are on site and have cordoned off the area. Meanwhile, the local administration has banned all ceremonies and public events until further notice.

Main markets in Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Sriganganagar, and Bikaner have been shut down. Spontaneous closures were reported in Khajuwala and Bikaner as citizens responded to heightened alert levels.

Police presence has increased significantly in the affected areas. The Airports Authority of India has also extended the closure of airports in Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Kishangarh (Ajmer), and Uttarlai (Barmer) until 14 May.

The Rajasthan Health Sciences University has postponed MBBS and Nursing examinations scheduled from 15 May until further notice.

According to sources, Pakistan launched missile and drone attacks on five military bases in Rajasthan during the nights of 7–8 May and 8 May.

The Indian Army successfully intercepted and shot down the drones mid-air. Key strategic targets in the region include the Jaisalmer Military Station, the Desert Warfare School, the Counter-Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School (CIJWS), the Air Force Station, and the Pokhran Field Firing Range.

Barmer hosts the Uttarlai Airbase and the Jaliapa Military Station. The drone attacks on Jaisalmer and Barmer for the second consecutive night underscore escalating tensions along the India–Pakistan border.

The Panchayati Raj by-elections in four border districts have also been postponed, officials said.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, and the public is urged to follow official advisories.

— IANS