Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, air raid sirens were activated in Ambala, Haryana, on Friday morning, May 9, 2025. The alert was prompted by a warning from the Indian Air Force (IAF) Station regarding a potential aerial attack. The sirens sounded around 10:20 AM, triggering immediate responses from local authorities.
The district administration has issued urgent instructions to residents, advising them to remain indoors, avoid rooftops, and stay away from balconies until further notice. Security forces have been placed on high alert.
The activation of air raid sirens in Ambala follows a series of events indicating heightened tensions between the two nations. The Indian Army confirmed that it had successfully thwarted a large-scale, coordinated drone and missile attack launched by Pakistan on the nights of May 7–8. The operation, dubbed #OperationSindoor, involved the neutralization of aerial threats without any reported losses for the Indian Armed Forces. Pakistan's attacks targeted multiple Indian military stations and civilian locations, including Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur, using missiles and over 50 drones. India's air defense systems, including L-70 guns, Zu-23mm, Schilka systems, and other counter-UAS equipment, intercepted the threats.
In response to the escalating situation, emergency services across Punjab are undergoing thorough inspections. This includes evaluating hospitals, fire stations, and the stock and distribution systems of essential supplies. Ten Cabinet Ministers are overseeing on-ground arrangements in border districts.
Similar alerts have been issued in other areas. An air warning was received from the Air Force Station regarding a possible attack on Chandigarh, prompting authorities to advise residents in bordering sectors to stay indoors and away from windows. In Amritsar, an advisory was issued at around 5 AM, urging people to remain indoors, keep lights off, and draw window curtains.
The situation has led to widespread blackouts in several districts of Punjab, Chandigarh, and Haryana, including Panchkula, Ambala, and Sirsa. Authorities ordered residents to switch off lights and stay indoors, accompanied by sirens and police announcements. Blackout orders were implemented in Amritsar, Ferozepur, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, Mohali, and Faridkot districts.
Educational institutions across Jammu and Kashmir have been closed. There were reports of explosions in Bathinda, with the administration enforcing an immediate blackout and urging residents to remain indoors. The BSF reportedly stopped a major infiltration attempt in Samba district, killing at least 7 terrorists.
Ambala is a strategic location, hosting the Indian Army's Kharga Corps under the Western Command and one of the oldest Indian Air Force stations with advanced fighter planes like Rafale. In light of the prevailing security concerns, the Ambala Deputy Commissioner had previously imposed a ban on the usage and transport of drones in the district without prior permission. This order was issued following concerns raised by the Army about the potential use of drones to target defense forces and installations.
