In the wake of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, B.L. Santhosh, the National General Secretary of India's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has asserted that the world has witnessed India's capabilities following the recent attacks on Pakistani airbases. Santhosh's statement comes after reports of the Indian Army's successful strikes on 11 Pakistani airbases, which allegedly compelled Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) to contact New Delhi.
According to Santhosh, the swiftness and precision of the attacks, which reportedly involved the bombardment of 11 airbases "within few mnts," prompted Pakistan to reach out to the Indian DGMO. He highlighted that this occurred after Pakistan had allegedly blocked nearly every attack for 96 hours. In a post on X, Santhosh stated, "11 airbases bombarded within few mnts brought PAK to dial DGMO, India. This after blocking nearly every attack for 96 hours. World saw what India is capable of".
Santhosh identified the 11 airbases targeted as Nur Khan/Chaklala (Rawalpindi), Rafiqui (Shorkot), Murid (Punjab), Sukkur (Sindh), Sialkot (Eastern Punjab), Pasrur (Punjab), Chunian (Radar/Support Installation), Sargodha (Mushaf Base), Skardu (Gilgit-Baltistan), Bholari (Near Karachi), and Jacobabad (Sindh-Balochistan). He further claimed that the capacity to penetrate the Sargodha airbase without interception demonstrated the strength of India's systems and the "shallowness of Pak claims".
These recent events are reportedly linked to "Operation Sindoor," in which the Indian armed forces carried out successful attacks on nine high-value terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7. Following these attacks, Pakistan allegedly attempted to target military installations and civilian areas in India, but these attacks were purportedly negated by Indian forces. India then retaliated in equal measure, reportedly destroying several airbases in Pakistan while taking care to avoid civilian damage.
While the Indian Air Force (IAF) has not released specific details regarding the attacks, it stated that the tasks assigned in Operation Sindoor were executed with precision and professionalism, and that the operation is ongoing.
Adding to this, BJP leader Amit Malviya stated that the destruction of these bases inflicted strategic and psychological damage on the Pakistani military establishment. Malviya said each of the 11 airbases served a critical function. He also noted the dismantling of radar networks, command hubs, and strike platforms left the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) "blind, grounded, and disoriented".
Reports indicate that India used BrahMos missiles to strike and destroy the airbases, targeting technical facilities, command and control centers, radar sites, and ammunition strongholds. Indian Army Colonel Sofiya Qureshi stated that the precision strikes aimed to minimize collateral damage, reiterating India's commitment to avoiding escalation.
Despite India's claims of precision and minimal damage, Pakistani sources report a significant impact on their military assets and personnel. According to these sources, Bholari Air Base near Hyderabad in Sindh province was attacked, resulting in casualties, injuries, and damage to critical equipment, including the destruction of a Saab-2000 aircraft. They also reported that the attack occurred just before a proposed ceasefire, raising questions about the timing and intent of the strike.
In response to the events, a Pakistan Army spokesman stated that Pakistan's air force assets were secure, but also claimed that some Indian missiles hit India's eastern Punjab province. He called the strikes "a provocation of the highest order".
The recent strikes and escalating tensions have led to various repercussions, including the postponement of cultural events. Ilaiyaraaja's concert in Coimbatore, originally scheduled for May 17, was postponed due to the prevailing tensions between India and Pakistan, with organizers citing public safety and logistical concerns.
