Chicago Saturday, May 10, 2025
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India and Pakistan Exchange Missile Strikes Amid Rising Tensions
In a significant escalation of hostilities, India and Pakistan fired missiles at each other’s military installations on the morning of May 10. The exchange marks one of the most intense confrontations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors outside of their previous wars.
What Triggered the Conflict?
- Pakistan accused India of launching attacks inside its territory for the fourth consecutive night.
- According to Pakistan, India fired a wave of drones followed by ballistic missiles targeting at least three Pakistani airbases.
- In retaliation, Pakistan initiated Operation Bunyan Marsoos (“a structure made of lead”) and launched missile strikes on several Indian military facilities.
- India, however, claimed it was responding to aggression from Pakistan and denied being the initial attacker.
Significance of the Escalation
- This confrontation extends beyond the disputed Kashmir region, marking an unprecedented military engagement between the two countries.
- Experts warn this escalation brings the region dangerously close to a full-scale war.
- It is the first time India and Pakistan have struck each other’s bases across such a wide geographical area since the wars they previously fought.
Pakistan’s Account of May 10 Attacks
Pakistan stated that India first launched:
- A drone offensive.
- Ballistic missile strikes on three key airbases.
Pakistani Airbases Targeted by India:
- Nur Khan Airbase (Rawalpindi):
- Critical hub for transport, logistics, training, and VIP operations.
- Murid Airbase (Chakwal):
- Strategic forward-operating base important for air defense readiness.
- Rafiqui Airbase (Shorkot, Punjab):
- Hosts several Pakistan Air Force fighter squadrons.
Pakistan’s Response: Operation Bunyan Marsoos
In retaliation, Pakistan struck at least six Indian military sites. These include:
Indian Targets Hit by Pakistan:
- Udhampur Airbase (Jammu and Kashmir):
- Northern Command HQ of the Indian Army.
- Pathankot Airbase (Punjab):
- Key air force base, previously attacked in 2016 by armed militants.
- Drangyari Artillery Position (Jammu and Kashmir):
- Vital military gun emplacement.
- Uri Field Support Depot (Jammu and Kashmir):
- Large army base targeted in 2016, previously attacked by militants.
- Nagrota (Jammu and Kashmir):
- Missile storage facility, including India-Russia BrahMos systems.
- Beas (Punjab):
- Storage site for BrahMos missiles.
- Adampur Airbase (Punjab):
- Hosts India’s Russian-acquired S-400 missile defense system.
- Bhuj Airbase (Gujarat):
- Located in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home state.
