In a major escalation of tensions between Pakistan and India, the Pakistan Armed Forces have conducted a large-scale retaliatory operation, codenamed “Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos”, targeting over 20 Indian military locations, senior security sources confirmed to Geo News on Saturday.
Described by Pakistani officials as “precise and proportionate,” the strikes were carried out in direct response to India’s missile attacks on several Pakistani cities on the night of May 5 and 6. India had claimed those strikes were aimed at “terrorist elements” in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack last month in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). However, the Indian missile attacks caused civilian casualties inside Pakistan, prompting Islamabad’s forceful response.
Key Targets and Damage Assessment
Senior officials involved in the operation confirmed the following Indian military assets were hit:
- Beas: A BrahMos missile depot was destroyed.
- Udhampur: Air defence systems were taken out and the airbase sustained significant damage.
- Pathankot: Military airfield hit with precision missiles.
- Jalandhar: Ongoing strikes on the airbase.
- Gujarat: Multiple airbases and military targets engaged.
- Delhi Region: A missile was intercepted near Hisar; Delhi remains under watch.
- Rajasthan: Military sites struck; damage being evaluated.
- Srinagar: Airbase attacked; early reports confirm 20 Indian military fatalities.
- Chandigarh: Major weapons storage facility neutralised.
- Adampur Air Base: Pakistan reportedly destroyed an S-400 air defence system.
- Sirsa: Airfield was successfully targeted.
- Uri: Army Brigade HQ and supply depot hit.
- Dehrangyari: Artillery positions engaged.
- Rajouri: Military intelligence training centre struck.
- Halwara: Air Force Station targeted.
- Line of Control (LoC): Multiple Indian posts attacked.
- IIOJK: Indian intelligence centre hit.
- Bathinda: Airfield impacted.
Strategic Purpose
Pakistani military officials stressed that the strikes were part of a “measured retaliation” strategy focused solely on military targets, deliberately avoiding civilian areas. The objective was to reduce India’s military capability following what Pakistan sees as unprovoked aggression.
“All targets were carefully selected in compliance with international law,” a senior source said, emphasizing that Pakistan retains the right to protect its territorial integrity.
Initial satellite imagery and surveillance data point to substantial damage to Indian air defence infrastructure across the northern region.
Cyber Warfare Front
Alongside the military strikes, Pakistan reportedly launched a cyber offensive that disrupted critical Indian infrastructure, including:
- A cyberattack on India’s national power grid, temporarily knocking out 70% of electricity supply, especially in Maharashtra.
- Hacks on:
- BJP’s official website
- Crime Research Investigation Agency
- Mahanagar Telecommunication Corporation Limited (MTCL)
- Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML)
- All India Naval Technical Supervisory Staff Association
- Interference with a key Indian military satellite.
Diplomatic Developments
The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expected to brief foreign diplomats on the military developments and Pakistan’s stance. Meanwhile, the Indian government has yet to release a formal statement on the extent of the reported damage, although state-run media have acknowledged ongoing hostilities and casualties.
The United Nations, United States, and China are closely monitoring the situation and have urged both sides to de-escalate immediately.
Officials in Islamabad stressed that while Pakistan remains open to diplomatic efforts, the onus lies on India to halt its provocations.
