ISLAMABAD, MAY 10: In a dramatic escalation of hostilities between South Asia’s nuclear-armed neighbours, Pakistan launched a series of precision missile strikes targeting key Indian military installations across several regions.
The retaliatory offensive — described as “coordinated and calculated” by Pakistani officials — came in the wake of what Islamabad termed “a continued pattern of aggression and cross-border provocations” from New Delhi.
Military and intelligence sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that more than 20 Indian military sites were hit in the strikes. These included strategic airbases, missile storage facilities, and weapon depots, leading to significant infrastructure damage and reported casualties.
Key targets and confirmed impact
- Beas (Punjab):
A BrahMos missile storage facility was reportedly destroyed in the initial wave of attacks. Satellite imagery shared by defense analysts showed structural collapse consistent with high-impact explosive damage. - Udhampur (Jammu & Kashmir):
Pakistan’s missiles struck an Indian air defence system and heavily damaged the air base. Indian officials have not released casualty figures but confirmed “operational disruption.” - Pathankot:
The airfield, previously under heightened alert, was hit by what officials described as a “precision missile strike.” Details of damage are being assessed. - Jalandhar:
Ongoing strikes have been reported in the region, with damage to key logistical facilities. - Gujarat:
Multiple air bases and military positions were reportedly targeted. Security lockdowns have been enforced in several districts. - Delhi Region:
A missile was intercepted near Hisar, averting a direct hit. However, defence officials in New Delhi have acknowledged that the capital remains a “potential target.” - Rajasthan:
Strategic military installations were hit, though details remain scarce due to communication restrictions in the area. - Srinagar:
An airbase in the region sustained direct hits, with security sources confirming at least 20 military casualties. Emergency response units have been deployed. - Chandigarh:
A weapon depot was “neutralised,” according to Pakistani military briefings. No official Indian comment has yet been released.
Strategic messaging and response
Pakistan’s military named the series of counterstrikes under its broader security initiative, Operation Bunyān-um-Marsūs — a Quranic phrase meaning “a solid wall” — signaling the state’s intent to reinforce national sovereignty against external threats.
“These precision strikes are not offensive but defensive in nature, and carried out in response to Indian military provocations over recent weeks,” said a senior Pakistani security official.
In New Delhi, emergency meetings were convened late Friday evening, with the Prime Minister briefed by top military and intelligence leadership. Indian media outlets, citing unnamed officials, confirmed “widespread damage” but stressed that retaliatory options remain “on the table.”
Preliminary figures suggest dozens of Indian military personnel may have been affected, though official numbers remain unverified. Air traffic across northern India has been suspended, and several civilian areas near military zones have been placed under curfew.
Global powers, including China, the United States, and the United Nations, have issued statements urging “maximum restraint” and warned of dire consequences if escalation continues.
