India targets four Pakistani airbases as cross-border tensions intensify

Smoke rises from terrorist launch pads, from where drones were being launched, were destroyed by Indian Army. (PIC/PTI) 

In the early hours of Saturday, Pakistan alleged that three of its air force bases were targeted by Indian missiles and drones, marking a sharp escalation in already heightened tensions between the two countries. According to PTI, a press briefing was held around 4 a.m. by Pakistan military spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry in Islamabad, where he accused India of carrying out strikes on Nur Khan (Chaklala, Rawalpindi), Murid (Chakwal), and Rafiqui (Shorkot in Jhang district) airbases.

Lt Gen Chaudhry claimed that India launched air-to-surface missiles using fighter jets and also deployed drones in the alleged attack. However, he asserted that all Pakistan Air Force (PAF) assets remained unharmed, adding that several missiles had been successfully intercepted by Pakistan's air defence systems.

"This is a sinister act by India, deliberately pushing the region towards a lethal war. Pakistan will respond to this aggression. India must wait for our response," he warned, as per PTI. The press conference was abruptly concluded without taking any questions from the media.

Within minutes of the briefing, Pakistan's state-run broadcaster PTV reported that a retaliatory operation had been launched under the codename Bunyan al-Marsous, which translates to "Iron Wall". Citing security sources, medium-range Fateh-1 missiles were used in the retaliatory strikes.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has summoned a high-level meeting of the National Command Authority (NCA), the apex body that oversees national security and strategic operational decisions. The meeting will be attended by senior civil and military officials, PTI reported.

In light of the evolving situation, the Pakistan Airport Authority (PAA) announced the closure of national airspace from 3:15 a.m. to 12 noon for all air traffic. The authority stated it would issue further updates by noon.

Tensions have been steadily rising since the Indian Armed Forces launched precision strikes earlier in the week, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). These strikes were in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which Indian intelligence has linked to cross-border operatives.

Pakistan responded on Friday night with a fresh wave of drone attacks on at least 26 locations across India, ranging from Jammu and Kashmir to Gujarat. India's Ministry of Defence confirmed that multiple attempts to damage key infrastructure, including airports and airbases, were successfully repelled.

On Thursday evening, Indian air defence systems intercepted at least eight missiles allegedly launched by Pakistan towards Jammu, including one aimed at the strategically important Jammu airport, PTI reported, citing defence sources.

(With inputs from PTI)