Escalating Tensions: Pakistan Claims Indian Missiles Targeted Air Bases
Pakistan's Allegations Against India
In the early hours of Saturday, Pakistan asserted that Indian missiles and drones targeted three of its air bases. Lt Gen Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry, a spokesperson for the Pakistan military, held an urgent press briefing in Islamabad around 4 AM, stating that the Nur Khan (Chaklala, Rawalpindi), Murid (Chakwal), and Rafiqui (Shorkot in Jhang district) air bases were under attack.
Chaudhry emphasized that all Air Force assets remained unharmed despite the assault. He accused India of launching air-to-surface missiles using its aircraft.
According to him, several of these missiles were intercepted by Pakistan's air defense systems. He described the incident as a 'sinister act' by India, warning that it could escalate tensions in the region and asserting that Pakistan would retaliate.
The press conference concluded abruptly without taking questions.
Shortly after, state-run PTV reported that Pakistan had initiated a counter-operation named 'Bunyan al-Marsous', translating to 'Iron Wall'.
The military reportedly utilized medium-range Fateh-1 missiles in this operation.
In response to the situation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened a meeting of the National Command Authority, which oversees national security and operational decisions, involving key civil and military leaders.
Earlier, the Pakistan Airport Authority announced the closure of the country's airspace from 3:15 AM to 12 noon for all air traffic, promising updates at noon.
The tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated following Indian precision strikes on terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam attack linked to cross-border terrorism.
On Friday night, Pakistan reportedly launched drone strikes targeting 26 locations across India, from Jammu and Kashmir to Gujarat, with the Indian defense ministry stating that attempts to strike critical installations, including airports and air bases, were successfully countered.
Indian air defense units intercepted at least eight missiles fired by Pakistan towards Jammu border areas, including the strategically significant Jammu airport, according to defense sources.