Rawalpindi, Pakistan — In a significant escalation of conflict, Pakistan has initiated retaliatory strikes after claiming that India targeted three of its military bases with missile attacks. This latest round of hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbors has stirred concerns over potential war.
The Pakistani military announced operations in response to an alleged missile assault by India, which it described as “naked aggression.” Military spokesperson Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry confirmed that bases in Nur Khan, Murid, and Shorkot were struck by missiles, causing immediate alarm and panic among residents in the densely populated areas nearby.
Shortly after the reported strikes, officials in Pakistan detailed their counteroffensive, dubbed Operation Bunyan Ul Marsoos, which translates to “wall of lead.” Chaudhry stated that six ballistic missiles were fired by Indian forces from Punjab, with many allegedly intercepted by Pakistani air defenses.
The Nur Khan airbase, located approximately 10 kilometers from Islamabad, became the focal point of the military engagement. Following the attacks, Pakistan’s airspace was closed, adding another layer of tension to the already volatile situation.
Witnesses flooded social media with videos and accounts of the mayhem that ensued, describing flames and loud explosions that disrupted the calm of early morning. “There was a loud explosion which woke everyone up. It was so scary; everyone is still in a panic,” recounted a local resident.
The hostilities come on the heels of India’s recent missile strikes across multiple locations in Pakistan, which reportedly killed 31 individuals. These actions were said to be a response to a deadly assault in Indian-administered Kashmir that claimed the lives of 25 Hindu tourists, an attack attributed to militants with alleged ties to Pakistan.
Earlier that week, India had accused Pakistan of launching drone attacks on multiple targets in Punjab and Indian-administered Kashmir. Despite Indian military claims of intercepting numerous drones, reports indicated that some resulted in injuries to civilians.
India’s military had asserted that its drone strikes targeted critical infrastructure within Pakistan. This cycle of retaliation marks the most pronounced escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan in recent decades, prompting fears of an imminent breakdown in relations.
During a recent press briefing, India condemned what it described as Pakistan’s offensive actions, including drone attacks that allegedly targeted religious sites. “The targeting of temples and places of worship is a new low by Pakistan,” said India’s foreign secretary, reflecting the heightened diplomatic tensions.
In response to the allegations, Pakistan’s officials denied conducting any aggressive operations, asserting that their military was acting purely defensively. Yet, a security source hinted at a broader offensive strategy in the works, suggesting that a strongly coordinated counterattack was imminent.
The current standoff presents a complex dynamic, with both nations reaffirming their military readiness. As this conflict unfolds, the international community watches closely, concerned about the potential for a broader military confrontation in the region. The stakes have never been higher, with the specter of nuclear engagement looming over the subcontinent.
