Sirens go off in Lahore: U.S. Consulate Issues Emergency Advisory Following India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’

As military tensions between India and Pakistan escalate, the U.S. Consulate in Lahore has issued a rare and urgent security alert on Thursday (May 08) advising American personnel to shelter in place, citing multiple drone explosions and suspected airspace incursions in and around Lahore. The advisory, released on May 8 by the U.S. Mission in Pakistan, comes hours after India launched a precision military strike that reportedly neutralised several Pakistani air defence assets, including one near Lahore, under ‘Operation Sindoor’. The operation was initiated in response to Pakistan’s failed attempt to target Indian military installations using drones and missiles across Jammu, Punjab, and Gujarat.
According to the consulate’s alert, “Due to reports of drone explosions, downed drones, and possible airspace incursions in and near Lahore, the U.S. Consulate General in Lahore has directed all consulate personnel to shelter-in-place.” Initial reports indicate that Pakistani authorities may be evacuating areas near Lahore’s main airport, further underscoring the gravity of the situation.

The advisory also cautions American citizens in Lahore to leave the area if it is safe, or otherwise to remain indoors amid fears of further escalation. The U.S. alert lends international confirmation to Indian claims that Pakistani air defence systems, including one in Lahore, were successfully neutralised in retaliatory strikes. Debris from downed drones and intercepted munitions has been recovered across northern India, reinforcing the scale and intent of the Pakistani offensive.

Earlier on Thursday, India had termed its response as "measured, focused, and non-escalatory", clearly distinguishing between military targets and civilian zones. Under ‘Operation Sindoor’, Indian forces have destroyed multiple terror launchpads and logistics hubs along the border, catching Pakistan by surprise.
While India maintains it is not seeking any escalation or an all-out war, the situation remains volatile because of Pakistan’s aggression and offensives. The Indian Armed Forces have reiterated that they are committed to non-escalation, but will not hesitate to respond decisively to any aggression. The U.S. advisory adds weight to concerns that the conflict could have wider regional implications if not swiftly de-escalated.​