Recent satellite imagery has emerged, potentially revealing the extent of damage inflicted on Pakistan's Sargodha Airbase following reported strikes by India. These strikes are part of a series of retaliatory actions between the two countries amidst escalating tensions.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) reportedly conducted multiple strikes on Pakistani Air Force (PAF) bases, including Sargodha, Nur Khan in Rawalpindi, Shorkot, and Chakwal in Punjab. These actions were confirmed by senior Indian defense officials as a response to continued aggression from Pakistan, including the use of long-range weapons and drones.
The Sargodha Airbase is a critical facility for the Pakistan Air Force, housing F-16 fighter jets and serving as a heavily defended frontline air base. Historically, it has been used by Pakistan for attacks against India, including during the wars of 1965 and 1971.
While details on the extent of the damage are still emerging, initial reports suggest that the Indian strikes aimed to target key military installations, technical facilities, command and control centers, radar sites, and ammunition strongholds. India has stated that it has taken measures to ensure minimal collateral damage during these strikes. However, Pakistan has claimed that the attacks were unprovoked and that they intercepted the Indian missile attacks.
The recent escalation began after an attack in the Baisaran valley in the Pahalgam region of Indian-administered Kashmir, where gunmen killed 26 people. India has blamed Pakistan for supporting armed groups responsible for the attack.
Tensions between the two countries appear to be escalating, with reports of airspace violations and artillery exchanges along the Line of Control (LoC). Pakistan has also claimed that airbases in Udhampur and Pathankot were destroyed, but India has refuted these claims. The closure of Pakistan's airspace adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with concerns that the conflict could escalate further. Kamran Bokhari, a senior director at the New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy, stated that the situation has worsened significantly with the targeting of Pakistan's airbases.
