India Intercepts Pakistani Fatah-II Missile Over Sirsa Amid Escalating Cross-Border Hostilities

New Delhi, May 10 — In a significant escalation of hostilities between India and Pakistan, Indian defence forces successfully intercepted a Fatah-II ballistic missile over Sirsa, Haryana, in the early hours of Saturday. Defence sources confirm that the missile, launched by Pakistan amid a series of unprovoked cross-border attacks, was aimed at the National Capital Region. The interception was executed by India’s advanced Barak-8 missile defence system.

The Fatah-II is a hypersonic, precision-guided ballistic missile with a range exceeding 400 kilometres. Designed for both conventional and potential tactical nuclear payloads, the missile poses a significant threat in regional conflict scenarios. Pakistani forces launched the strike during a night of sustained aggression, which included missile, drone, and artillery attacks targeting locations across Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.

In response to the continued provocation, India launched targeted retaliatory strikes on key Pakistani military assets and infrastructure. Defence officials confirmed that Indian forces struck multiple high-value targets including three Pakistani Air Force bases—Nur Khan (Rawalpindi), Rafiqi (Shorkot), and Murid (Chakwal)—as well as strategic locations in Islamabad and Lahore. Explosions were reported in all three cities, marking one of the most serious escalations in recent years.

The Indian military has placed major cities on heightened alert, with air defence systems across northern and western sectors fully mobilised. Sources within the defence establishment noted that the Fatah-II missile represents a significant advancement in Pakistan’s battlefield capabilities, comparable to modern guided missile systems such as the U.S.-made GMLRS or China’s PHL series.

The Fatah-II’s ability to deliver precision strikes with either conventional or tactical nuclear warheads makes it a versatile yet potentially destabilising asset in regional military calculus. However, the interception over Sirsa underscores India’s robust layered missile defence architecture and its readiness to counter emerging threats.

Diplomatic channels remain engaged as the international community watches the unfolding crisis with growing concern. India has reiterated its stance that it will respond proportionately and decisively to any aggression, while continuing to target only military and terror-linked infrastructure.