India's Strike Leaves Pakistan Reeling and Seeking Ceasefire

CROSS-BORDER TERRORISM IS NOT UP FOR A NEGOTIATION FOR INDIA AND THE COUNTRY CONTINUES TO BE RUTHLESS IN ITS RESPONSE, CAUTIOUS IN ITS RESTRAINT.

- VAIZ ZARGAR

On the night of May 9, 2025, and early morning of May 10, India began series of timely and strategic airstrikes against important Pakistani air bases. After a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22nd that left 26 Indian civilians dead, India’s military conducted this operation, an important escalation in the already shaky relationship between these nuclear-armed neighbours. The operation that TRF, a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba, initiated crossed what Indian officials called "a final red line". After much preparation through intelligence and meticulous planning, the Indian Armed Forces embarking on their contingency plans launched the military operation which was officially known as Operation Sindoor.

The offensive broke the air defense strength of Pakistan, and 11 strategically critical air bases became targets across the country. The first strike target was the Nur Khan air base at Rawalpindi, which is popularly known as Chaklala. As a crucial node for military air transport and command operations, it was irreplaceable for Pakistan's strategic mobility and readiness. At the same time, the Indian Air Force attacked Rafiqui Airbase in Shorkot, which was home to several JF-17 and F-16 squadrons, from which it launched French origin SCALP missiles from its Rafale aircraft. The munitions significantly destroyed hardened aircraft shelters and logistics depots.

Less known even than some, Murid Airbase was critical to the surveillance and radar capabilities of Pakistan. The Indian military used loitering munitions, perhaps, including the Israeli-made Harop drones, to counter the electronic surveillance system of the airbase. In southern Pakistan, Sukkur Airbase was hit because of its important role in supplying logistics assets. The satellite surveillance has identified unusual movements of military vehicles which meant an offensive readiness could be at the planning stage.