Pakistan’s armed forces on Sunday announced that they had successfully struck 26 Indian military targets in a retaliatory operation dubbed ‘Operation Bunyanum Marsoos’. The move came in response to recent Indian airspace violations and missile strikes on Pakistani territory earlier in the week.
In a joint press conference, Director General ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, accompanied by Pakistan Air Force (PAF) spokesperson Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb Ahmed and Vice Admiral Raja Rab Nawaz of the Pakistan Navy, shared details of the multi-domain military response.
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Lt Gen Chaudhry stated that the Indian aggression began during the night of May 6 and 7, claiming the lives of several civilians, including women, children, and the elderly. He confirmed that one Pakistani aircraft sustained minor damage during the Indian missile attacks.
He explained that Pakistan’s military retaliated by targeting 26 key military installations in both Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and mainland India. These included air force and aviation bases at Suratgarh, Sirsa, Adampur, Bhooj, Nalia, Bathinda, Barnala, Halwara, Avantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Mamoon, Ambala, Udampur, and Pathankot. BrahMos missile facilities used to launch attacks on Pakistani civilians were also destroyed.
Calling the operation a “textbook demonstration” of integrated tri-service coordination, Chaudhry emphasized the role of real-time intelligence, network-centric warfare, and seamless coordination across land, air, and sea.
Following the Pahalgam incident on May 7 — in which 31 Pakistanis were killed — India had launched retaliatory strikes under ‘Operation Sindoor’. In response, Pakistan downed five Indian fighter jets and destroyed brigade headquarters and check posts along the Line of Control.
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Lt Gen Chaudhry paid tribute to those martyred in the Indian strikes and thanked the armed forces for their courage and professionalism. He also acknowledged the efforts of Pakistan’s youth for defending the country in cyberspace and commended the media and political leadership for their unwavering support.
Addressing ceasefire-related questions, the DG ISPR asserted: “Let it be on record, Pakistan did not request a ceasefire.” He warned against the dangers of conflict between two nuclear-armed states, calling it a path to “mutual annihilation.” He added that Pakistan’s response remained within conventional means to maintain escalation control.
PAF Strikes Mark Largest Offensive Since 1971
Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb Ahmed highlighted that the PAF executed its response “at a time and place of its choosing,” showcasing boldness, precision, and strategic clarity. The strikes marked the largest single operational package against Indian airfields since the 1971 war, he claimed.
He noted that Pakistan’s actions effectively reestablished deterrence and countered India’s attempt to create a “new normal” through hegemonic aggression.
Navy Ensured Maritime Security
Vice Admiral Raja Rab Nawaz detailed the Pakistan Navy’s operational readiness during the conflict, stating that any maritime threats were closely monitored and neutralized. He referenced reports of Indian aircraft carrier INS Vikrant approaching Karachi, noting it remained under surveillance and eventually withdrew near Bombay, never breaching critical proximity.
He added that if the carrier had moved closer, it would have made the Navy’s operational response “simpler,” and assured that the maritime air arm was prepared for any potential aggression.
India Avoids Confirming Jet Losses
On the Indian side, military officials asserted that ‘Operation Sindoor’ had achieved its objectives by eliminating high-value terrorist targets. However, when asked about reports of downed Indian jets, including Rafales, Indian Air Marshal AK Bharti declined to confirm, stating that losses are part of any combat scenario.
“All our pilots are back home,” Bharti said, emphasizing mission success while withholding operational specifics to avoid giving an advantage to adversaries.