ISLAMABAD – In a significant military response to India’s recent missile strikes on Pakistani airbases, Pakistan has initiated a large-scale military operation, codenamed Bunyan al-Marsus. This comes after Indian missiles hit three Pakistani airbases, including Nur Khan in Rawalpindi, earlier this week. The operation targets critical Indian military sites such as the Pathankot airfield and the Brahmos missile storage facility, which are key to India’s defense infrastructure in the region.
The missile strikes by India were in retaliation for a deadly terrorist attack in the Indian-administered Kashmir area on April 22, which killed 26 civilians. India has blamed militant groups operating from within Pakistani territory for the attack. The missile strikes on Pakistani airbases were seen as an act of military aggression by Pakistan, which has now responded with Bunyan al-Marsus, aiming to neutralize India’s military capabilities along the contested border region.
A spokesperson for Pakistan’s military, Brigadier General Ahmed Tariq, announced the operation, emphasizing that it was a direct response to India’s aggression. "The operation is designed to strike at India's strategic military assets, including airfields, missile storage sites, and surveillance facilities, in retaliation for India's unprovoked attacks on Pakistani soil," Tariq stated during a briefing.
The primary focus of Bunyan al-Marsus is on India’s military infrastructure in key regions such as Jammu and Kashmir. The Pathankot airfield, a crucial site for Indian air surveillance and military deployments, and the Brahmos missile storage facility, housing advanced missile systems, were reportedly targeted during the operation. Although specific details about the extent of damage and casualties are not yet confirmed, sources suggest significant destruction of these sites.
The Pakistani military has confirmed that its air force conducted precision airstrikes on Indian military installations, while ground forces have engaged in artillery bombardments. In response, the Indian Ministry of Defence confirmed that India has also increased its military presence in the region, reinforcing air defense systems and deploying additional forces along the border.
This military escalation has raised concerns of a broader conflict between India and Pakistan, both of which possess nuclear weapons. Historically, the two countries have fought multiple wars, primarily over the disputed region of Kashmir, which has long been a flashpoint for tensions. As the situation develops, both nations are on high alert, with military forces mobilized across the border.
International responses have focused on urging both sides to de-escalate the conflict. The United States, along with other global powers, has called for restraint, highlighting the importance of diplomatic dialogue to avoid further escalation. The United Nations has also voiced concern about the rising tensions, urging both governments to return to talks and work towards a peaceful resolution.
On the ground, the ongoing conflict has resulted in casualties, both military and civilian. Reports indicate that shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) has caused civilian deaths, with several regions of Jammu and Kashmir experiencing significant damage to infrastructure. Air traffic in northern India and Pakistan has been temporarily halted, with several airports closed due to security concerns.
As the situation continues to unfold, the international community remains vigilant, hoping that both India and Pakistan will seek a peaceful resolution before the conflict escalates into a full-scale war.
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