Islamabad, May 12: In a significant escalation of hostilities, Pakistan has accused India of launching missile and drone attacks on three of its major airbases, including the Nur Khan Airbase near Islamabad, during the early hours of May 10. The strikes reportedly occurred around 3:15 a.m., prompting Pakistan to temporarily close its airspace until noon.The Pakistani military claims that these attacks were part of India’s “Operation Sindoor,” a retaliatory campaign following a deadly assault in Indian-administered Kashmir that resulted in 26 civilian deaths. In response, Pakistan initiated “Operation Bunyan Marsoos,” targeting multiple Indian military installations.
While India has not officially confirmed the strikes on Pakistani airbases, it has acknowledged conducting precision attacks on what it describes as terrorist infrastructure within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The situation escalated further with both nations engaging in drone warfare, marking a new phase in their longstanding conflict. Pakistan reported shooting down several Indian drones, including Israeli-made Harop loitering munitions, over its territory.
Despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire announced on May 11, sporadic violations have been reported by both sides, raising concerns over the fragility of the truce.
The international community continues to urge both nuclear-armed nations to exercise restraint and engage in diplomatic dialogue to prevent further escalation.