Pakistan has launched targeted strikes on Indian military bases identified as launch sites for previous attacks on its people and places of worship. The operation, named Bunyan ul Marsoos, meaning “a solid, united wall,” is being carried out with the use of Abdali-I and Fatah-I missiles, according to official sources. Airbases in Pathankot, Delhi, and Rajasthan have been hit, with reports confirming the destruction of the Pathankot base.
The strikes began early morning, shortly after Fajr prayers, with loud chants of Takbeer echoing across Pakistani military zones. Officials stress that the operation is focused only on the bases used to launch attacks into Pakistan, not on civilians or non-military infrastructure. Multiple strategic locations continue to be engaged.
This escalation marks a significant intensification in hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, following a series of confrontations that have heightened tensions in the region. The operation Bunyan ul Marsoos comes just days after India executed Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror camps inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) as a response to the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attacks that resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians.
According to reports, Pakistan’s recent drone assaults targeted various locations within India, leading to strong responses from Indian forces. On the night of May 9-10, India retaliated by striking three key Pakistani airbases, including Nur Khan, Murid, and Rafiqui, with missiles and drones. In response to these escalating tensions, Pakistan has closed its airspace.
Pakistani media reported that the operation is named Bunyan Ul Marsoos, a phrase derived from the Quran, which translates to 'solid wall of lead.' The Quranic verse states: "Truly Allah loves those who fight in His Cause in battle array, as if they were a solid cemented structure," suggesting that Pakistan aims to portray itself as an impregnable force defending its sovereignty.
On May 9, Pakistan targeted 26 locations across India, from Jammu and Kashmir to Gujarat, as part of its ongoing military actions. This aggressive stance followed India’s aerial strikes on May 7, which targeted nine sites in Pakistan and POK, marking the first time since the 1971 War that India hit a target deep within Pakistan’s Punjab province, approximately 100 kilometers from the border.
Indian forces have confirmed that they successfully neutralized Pakistani strikes targeting military installations in Jammu and Pathankot, further intensifying the standoff. Reports indicate that the Border Security Force foiled a major infiltration attempt by suspected terrorists in the Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir during this period.
As the situation escalates, commentators and analysts are concerned about the potential for broader conflict. The use of religious rhetoric in naming military operations has raised alarms, with some suggesting that it is an attempt to invoke a communal narrative in the ongoing conflict. Pakistani officials have been accused of trying to impart a religious tone to their military actions, particularly following the Pahalgam attacks where non-Muslims were targeted.
India has responded firmly to these provocations, with officials emphasizing the importance of national unity in the face of external aggression. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated, "India's steadfast unity in itself is a challenge to Pakistan," reflecting the sentiment that India remains resolute in its defense against perceived threats.
Political leaders in India have also condemned Pakistan's actions, with Lok Sabha MP Asaduddin Owaisi stating, "This act shows you [Pakistan] are the successors of ISIS," highlighting the view that Pakistan's support for terrorism is a significant concern for regional stability.
In the wake of these developments, the international community is closely monitoring the situation, recognizing that Pakistan has historically been a breeding ground for Islamic terrorism. The narrative of using religious justification for military actions is seen as a dangerous precedent that could further inflame tensions between Hindus and Muslims in the region.
As military operations continue to unfold, both nations remain on high alert, with fears of a broader conflict looming over South Asia. The recent exchanges of fire and missile strikes have underscored the fragility of peace between India and Pakistan, as both sides prepare for potential further escalations.
In conclusion, the situation remains tense as both nations navigate this complex landscape of military engagement and political rhetoric. The implications of these actions could have lasting consequences for the region, as the world watches closely for signs of de-escalation or further conflict.
