Pakistan publicly acknowledges damage from India’s Operation Sindoor strikes in May 2025, confirming hits on key air bases including Nur Khan in Rawalpindi. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar revealed drones caused injuries and facility harm, months after India’s retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians.
This rare admission highlights the operation’s precision impact on Pakistan’s defenses.
Pakistan’s Admission
Deputy PM Ishaq Dar stated during a year-end briefing that India sent 80 drones over 36 hours, with Pakistan intercepting 79 but one striking Nur Khan base on May 10. The assault injured personnel and damaged the Chaklala facility, prompting a high-level meeting led by PM Shehbaz Sharif. Dar noted India “made the mistake” of targeting this major PAF hub.
Nur Khan ranks among 11 bases hit, including Sargodha’s Mushaf, Rafiqui, Jacobabad’s Shahbaz and Bholari, plus Muridke. Sharif earlier confirmed Gen Asim Munir briefed him on the May 9-10 night attack.
Operation Sindoor Background
India launched strikes on May 7, 2025, targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK after the April 22 Pahalgam attack by Pakistan-backed militants. Precision drones and missiles followed, shifting to military sites. Satellite imagery revealed extensive destruction at multiple bases, corroborating initial May 10 Pakistani admissions of three hits.
Rana Sanaullah added Pakistan had mere 30-45 seconds to assess potential nuclear threats from incoming missiles.
Indian Response and Contradictions
Lt Gen (Retd) KJS Dhillon rejected “minor damage” claims as lies, citing Samaa TV’s Independence Day list of 138 posthumous gallantry awards implying heavy casualties. Pakistani civilian videos showed Nur Khan in flames, underscoring widespread base impacts beyond official narratives.
This exposes discrepancies in Islamabad’s downplaying versus visual and internal evidence.
Why the Late Acknowledgement?
Months after, Dar’s confirmation aligns with satellite proof and prior slips, possibly amid diplomatic shifts. Does it signal weakened denial? Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s reach, deterring terror sponsorship.
Q&A: Operation Sindoor Key Facts
Q: What triggered Operation Sindoor?
A: April 22 Pahalgam terror attack killing 26 civilians by Pakistan-backed groups.
Q: Which base got confirmed hit?
A: Nur Khan in Rawalpindi, plus 10 others like Sargodha and Jacobabad.
Q: Drones intercepted?
A: Pakistan claims 79 of 80; one struck causing damage and injuries.
Q: PM Sharif’s role?
A: Convened meeting post-strikes; confirmed Army chief’s briefing.
Q: Casualty indicators?
A: 138 posthumous awards per Pakistani media suggest higher losses.
FAQ
When did strikes occur?
Early May 7-10, 2025, starting with terror camps then bases.
Satellite evidence?
Shows extensive damage at Nur Khan, Mushaf, Bholari, Shahbaz.
Pakistan’s response time?
30-45 seconds to detect possible nuclear missiles.
Indian veteran’s view?
Heavy destruction, not minor; cites videos and awards list.
Total bases targeted?
11, including Rafiqui and Muridke.
Pakistan’s admission underscores Operation Sindoor’s success in countering terror, reshaping regional deterrence. India reaffirms resolve against cross-border threats. Monitor diplomatic ripples ahead