New Delhi: In a significant escalation of military tensions, India has conducted precision strikes on multiple military targets within Pakistan as part of 'Operation Sindoor'. This operation comes in response to a series of drone and missile attacks launched by Pakistan, which have threatened both military and civilian safety in India.
On Friday night, the Indian armed forces targeted at least eight military installations across Pakistan, including six military bases and a radar site. The targeted bases included Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, and Chunian, all struck using precision ammunition launched from fighter jets. Additionally, a radar site in Pasrur and an aviation base in Sialkot were also hit. During a press briefing, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh emphasized that the strikes were executed with a focus on minimizing collateral damage, stating, "During these actions, India ensured minimum collateral damage and losses."
The operation was described as a measured response to Pakistan's earlier attacks on Indian bases in Udhampur, Pathankot, and Bathinda. Singh noted that these retaliatory actions were necessary after Pakistan deliberately targeted Indian military installations. "Pakistan attacked Indian bases last night," she confirmed, while also presenting time-stamped images to counter Pakistan's claims of significant damage to Indian air bases.
In a further escalation, the Pakistan Army has been observed moving troops towards forward areas, indicating a potential offensive stance. Singh remarked, "The Pakistani military has been observed as moving their troops into forward areas, indicating offensive intent to further escalate the situation." This military maneuvering has raised alarms within the Indian defense establishment, which remains on high alert.
Despite the ongoing hostilities, Wing Commander Singh reiterated India's commitment to de-escalation, provided that Pakistan reciprocates with restraint. "We remain in a high state of operational readiness, and all hostile actions have been effectively countered and responded to appropriately," she stated.
As tensions mount, Pakistan has engaged in what India describes as a malicious misinformation campaign. Singh accused Pakistan of spreading false claims about the destruction of India's S-400 air defense system and damage to airfields at Surat and Sirsa. "Pakistan has also attempted to execute a continued malicious misinformation campaign, with claims of destruction of the Indian S-400 system," she asserted, firmly rejecting these allegations.
To substantiate India's position, Singh showcased time-stamped images of the air bases in question, which demonstrated that they remained undamaged. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also condemned Pakistan's propaganda, stating, "As you are seeing, Pakistani claims about the activities that they have undertaken continue to be heavy on lies, misinformation, and propaganda." He further emphasized that the allegations concerning the destruction of air force stations were unfounded.
In a related development, Indian defense officials reported the recovery of Byker YIHA III Kamikaze drones in Amritsar, Punjab, which had been launched by Pakistan in the early hours of Saturday. These drones posed a direct threat to civilian areas, but were successfully intercepted and destroyed by Indian Army Air Defence units. "The attempt was thwarted by Army Air Defence guns at 5 AM today, destroying the same in the air," officials confirmed.
Simultaneously, debris from unidentified projectiles was found in Rajasthan's Barmer, further complicating the security landscape along the border. Reports indicate that four airbases in Pakistan were targeted in the early hours of Saturday as part of India's ongoing response to the escalating conflict.
Intermittent firing continues along the Line of Control, a situation that remains fluid as both nations prepare for potential further actions. The Indian government has consistently maintained that its military responses are proportionate and necessary to safeguard national security.
In light of the heightened tensions, the Indian government's official fact-checking unit has been actively debunking false claims propagated by Pakistani media and military sources. Earlier this week, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check division flagged a fabricated advisory that was falsely attributed to the Indian government, highlighting the ongoing battle against misinformation.
As the situation evolves, the Indian government urges citizens not to be misled by the "tissue of lies" that Pakistan is reportedly disseminating. Misri pointed out that claims regarding attacks on critical infrastructure in India are completely false, calling for vigilance against propaganda.
In summary, the recent military actions and the surrounding rhetoric between India and Pakistan underscore the precarious nature of their relationship. With both sides demonstrating readiness to engage militarily, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes peace and stability in the region.
