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First Post
20-07-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Satellite images hint India struck Pakistan's nuclear-linked Kirana Hills during Operation Sindoor: Report
Over two months after India denied striking Pakistan's nuclear-linked Kirana Hills during Operation Sindoor, new satellite images tell a different story. Geo-intelligence expert Damien Symon has shared visuals showing possible missile impact at the site, along with signs of damage and quick repair read more No radiation leak from any nuclear facility in Pakistan, says IAEA amid buzz after Indian strikes in Sargodha. Image Courtesy: X More than two months after India denied striking Pakistan's sensitive nuclear-linked Kirana Hills during Operation Sindoor, new satellite imagery analysed by geo-intelligence expert Damien Symon appears to contradict the official stance. The visuals show evidence of a missile strike and damage at the facility. Fresh images from Google Earth, captured in June 2025, indicate an impact site in the Kirana Hills region of Pakistan's Sargodha district. Symon, who analysed the data, shared the findings on X, pointing out visible damage at the suspected strike location. He also highlighted signs of recently repaired runways at the nearby Sargodha airbase, suggesting it, too, sustained damage during the operation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Imagery update from Google Earth of the Sargodha region, Pakistan, captured in June 2025, shows - 1 - the impact location of India's strike on Kirana Hills in May 2025 2 - repaired runways at Sargodha airbase post India's strikes in May 2025 — Damien Symon (@detresfa_) July 18, 2025 India launched Operation Sindoor on the night of May 9–10 in retaliation for the killing of tourists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam by Pakistan-backed terrorists. The Indian Air Force reportedly targeted several high-value Pakistani military sites in the operation. Kirana Hills is a high-security area believed to be part of Pakistan's nuclear weapons infrastructure. It reportedly houses underground storage facilities and was a site for subcritical nuclear tests in the 1980s. Its strategic value is amplified by the presence of radar stations, military tunnels, and its close proximity to the Sargodha (now Mushaf) airbase. When asked about Kirana Hills at a press briefing on May 12, Director General of Air Operations Air Marshal A.K. Bharti responded with a hint of sarcasm: 'Thank you for telling us that Kirana Hills houses some nuclear installations. We did not know about it. We have not hit Kirana Hills. I did not brief in my briefing yesterday.' His peculiar smile while answering the question sparked speculation online, with the clip going viral across social media platforms. The satellite imagery also showed that runways at the Sargodha airbase had been quickly repaired, reinforcing its status as a high-priority strategic site. The damage suggested a direct hit during the Indian strikes. During the strike, India reportedly launched around 15 BrahMos missiles and other precision-guided munitions. The operation damaged 11 out of Pakistan's 13 major airbases, severely impacting its air defence and military infrastructure. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The scale of the damage revealed in the imagery suggests that the Pakistani military was caught off guard and may have been forced to seek an immediate ceasefire through Director General of Military Operations (DGMO)-level talks to prevent further escalation.
News18
20-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
New Satellite Image Hints At Indian Missile Strike On Pakistan's Kirana Hills During Op Sindoor
Last Updated: The satellite images were analysed and shared on X by geo-intelligence researcher and satellite imagery expert Damien Symon. Nearly a month after the government denied targeting Pakistan's nuclear hub at Kirana Hills during Operation Sindoor, a new satellite image emerged showing the impact zone of India's missile strike in the sensitive Sargodha district. India targeted key Pakistani military installations on May 10, as part of Operation Sindoor, to avenge the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives. The satellite images were analysed and shared on X by geo-intelligence researcher and satellite imagery expert Damien Symon. 'Imagery update from Google Earth of the Sargodha region, Pakistan, captured in June 2025, shows — 1. The impact location of India's strike on Kirana Hills in May 2025; 2. Repaired runways at Sargodha airbase post-India's strikes in May 2025," he shared. Imagery update from Google Earth of the Sargodha region, Pakistan, captured in June 2025, shows –1 – the impact location of India's strike on Kirana Hills in May 20252 – repaired runways at Sargodha airbase post India's strikes in May 2025 — Damien Symon (@detresfa_) July 18, 2025 Further, another satellite image showed recently repaired runways at the Sargodha airbase, indicating it sustained damage during the Indian strikes in May. The swift restoration work suggests the airbase is regarded as a high-priority strategic installation. Kirana is a high-security zone linked to Pakistan's nuclear weapons program. It is believed to contain an underground facility for storing nuclear arms and has reportedly been used for nuclear research and testing, including subcritical tests carried out in the 1980s. While independent experts continue to assess the newly surfaced evidence, there has been no official statement from Pakistan confirming or denying the development. Following Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force also dismissed claims that it had targeted Kirana Hills. At a press conference on May 12, Director General of Air Operations Air Marshal AK Bharti responded to a query about the Kirana Hills strike, saying, 'Thank you for telling us that Kirana Hills houses some nuclear installations. We did not know about it. We have not hit Kirana Hills. I did not brief in my briefing yesterday." Notably, his subtle smile while delivering the response drew significant attention online. view comments First Published: July 20, 2025, 07:55 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
New Straits Times
26-06-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
RMAF chief 'Gunjiz' takes final bow with thunderous air force send-off
SHAH ALAM: Fighter jets roared above the Subang Air Base today as the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) bid a soaring farewell to its 20th chief, General Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan. Eighteen aircraft took part in the ceremony, held to honour Asghar's service, dedication and sacrifices in the armed forces, particularly the RMAF. The aerial salute featured five PC-7 MKII aircraft flying in formation, followed by four EC-725 AP helicopters, three F/A-18D Hornet fighter jets, three C-130H transport aircraft, two Sukhoi SU-30MKM jets and an Airbus A400M strategic airlifter. A total of 427 officers and personnel, led by Lieutenant Colonel Muhd Faizal Abdul Rahim, also took part in the full ceremonial parade. Asghar, whose call sign is 'Gunjiz', had assumed leadership of the RMAF on March 7, 2022. He said various efforts had been undertaken to transform the service into a credible, modern force capable of defending the nation's airspace. He said several initiatives outlined in the Defence White Paper had been successfully implemented through the RMAF Capability Development Plan 2055 (CAP55). Also present were Air Operations commander Lieutenant-General Datuk Masro Kaliwon, Air Education and Training commander Lieutenant-General Datuk Nur Hafis Abdul Karim, and Air Support commander Major General Datuk Ahmad Khusairi Ahmad Fadli. In a symbolic final gesture, Asghar, accompanied by his wife, Puan Sri Bibi Nasratjahan Gulab Khan, boarded a Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighter jet which was ceremoniously towed past the RMAF personnel for a "street-lining" parade. The same aircraft had been flown by Asghar last month during the aerial display segment at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (Lima '25). He is set to retire officially on Dec 26.
The Hindu
07-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
A General for all seasons
The comments made by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Anil Chauhan, in an interview with an international media outlet, on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore last month, triggered a flurry of sharp reactions from various quarters in India. Responding to the queries about the losses on the Indian side during Operation Sindoor, Gen. Chauhan confirmed what the Director General of Air Operations, Air Marshal A.K. Bharti, had alluded to at a joint briefing on May 11. 'We are in a combat scenario, losses are a part of combat. The question you must ask us we achieved our objective of decimating the terrorist camps? And the answer is a thumping yes!,' Air Marshal Bharti had said, not disclosing the exact details of the losses. Gen. Chauhan echoed the same in Singapore. 'What I can say is that on May 7, in the initial stages, there were losses, but the numbers — that's not important. What was important is why did these losses occur. So, we rectified that and then went back on 7th, 8th and 10th,' he said. During the military operation, which saw a full-spectrum and multi-domain kinetic action by the tri-services against a 'nuclear-armed' adversary, in close coordination with the intelligence agencies and para-military forces, the CDS played a critical role. A new post It was from the ramparts of Red Fort, during his Independence Day speech on August 15, 2019, that Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the creation of the post of CDS. As enumerated later by the Union Cabinet, CDS was also to head the Department of Military Affairs to deal with areas such as the armed forces, integrated headquarters of the Defence Ministry, jointness in procurement, training, and staffing for the services, restructuring of military commands for optimal utilisation of resources through establishment of joint theatre commands; and promoting use of indigenous defence equipment. CDS, who is also the permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee, acts as the Principal Military Adviser to the Defence Minister on all tri-service matters. While the post is above the three Service Chiefs, it does not exercise any military command. Also read: Soldier Number One: on creation of CDS post Gen. Chauhan assumed charge as the country's second CDS on September 30, 2022, nine months after Gen. Bipin Rawat died in a chopper crash in December 2021. For the first time since independence, a three-star Lieutenant General-rank officer became a four-star General after retirement. During a career spanning over 40 years, Gen. Chauhan has held several key posts and possesses extensive experience in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu & Kashmir and the Northeast. 'Illustrious service' Born on May 18, 1961, he was commissioned into the 11 Gorkha Rifles of the Army in 1981. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, and Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. As a Major General, he led an Infantry Division in the Baramulla sector in the Northern Command and later commanded a corps in the Northeast. He was the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command from September 2019, and held the charge until his retirement from the service in May 2021. He then served as a Military Adviser to the National Security Council Secretariat from October 2021 to September 2022. Besides the command positions, he had also served as the Director General of Military Operations. 'For his distinguished and illustrious service in the Army, Lt. Gen. Anil Chauhan (Retired) was awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal,' as per a government note. Over the years, especially after the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, the developmental initiatives undertaken by the government in all sectors started to show results in Jammu & Kashmir. Just when peace and prosperity seemed to be returning in the region, terrorists struck in Pahalgam on April 22. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who promised an unprecedented response, held meetings with top executive functionaries, including the Chief of Defence Staff. The armed forces and intelligence agencies were granted 'complete operational freedom' to determine the mode, targets, and the timing of India's response, according to the government. Several rounds of brainstorming resulted in the conception of Operation Sindoor. In the intervening night of May 6 and 7, nine terror bases located deep inside Pakistan and the Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir were struck. Sharing details of the operation, the government said the Air Force bypassed and jammed Pakistan's Chinese-supplied air defence systems, completing the mission in 23 minutes using Rafale jets, SCALP missiles, and HAMMER bombs. 'On May 9-10, India became the first country to strike 11 airbases of a nuclear-armed nation in a single operation, destroying 20% of Pakistan's air force assets. High casualties were inflicted and key air platforms destroyed,' said the government. Losses in the air The Pakistani side claimed to have downed six Indian jets. Clearing the air, Gen. Chauhan on May 31 dismissed the claims as baseless. He, nevertheless, confirmed that there were indeed 'losses in the air'. In his public addresses, Gen. Chauhan has described Operation Sindoor as a decisive move to draw the limits of tolerance and make it clear to Pakistan that it cannot hold India hostage to terror, and that India cannot 'live in the shadow of terror or nuclear blackmail'. Given that Pakistan mostly relied on Chinese sources, while India had a wide range of indigenously developed systems to bank on, Gen. Chauhan noted that it was a manifestation of India's push for self-reliance. He underscored the institutional reforms undertaken to ensure an integrated approach with more flexible structures, emphasising the requirement for dedicated organisations for drones, electronic warfare, and unmanned aerial platforms. In use were battle-proven Air Defence systems like the Pechora, OSA-AK and LLAD guns; Akash, a short range surface-to-air missile system; and loitering munitions (suicide drones). The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) too contributed with at least 10 satellites working round-the-clock monitoring the entire northern region. 'Around 1 a.m. on May 10, Pakistan wanted India to get on its knees in 48 hours. However, India's defence compelled them to come to a truce,' Gen. Chauhan said at an event on 'Future Wars and Warfare' at Savitribai Phule Pune University on June 3. 'Their 48-hour plan was summed up in eight hours and followed by a phone call for a ceasefire.'
India Today
31-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Understood mistakes, rectified them: Top General reflects on Op Sindoor losses
India's top military general has admitted for the first time that an unspecified number of its fighter jets were downed during the hostilities with Pakistan, but asserted that the armed forces rectified its mistakes quickly to hit Islamabad an interview with Bloomberg on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, however, dismissed the Pakistan Prime Minister's claims that it shot down six Indian jets, including four Rafales, as "absolutely incorrect". advertisement"What is important is that, not the jet being down, but why they were being down... Why they were down, what mistakes were made - that are important. Numbers are not important," General Chauhan said.'QUICK TO REMEDY TACTICAL MISTAKES' However, the Chief of Defence Staff said the armed forces were quick to analyse the "tactical mistakes", remedy them, and again target Pakistan two days later as part of Operation Sindoor."The good part is that we are able to understand the tactical mistake which we made, remedy it, rectify it, and then implement it again after two days and flew all our jets again, targeting at long range," General Chauhan remarks are the most direct by the army so far on losses suffered during the hostilities, which came as India destroyed nine terror camps deep inside Pakistan. It was in response to the horrific Pahalgam attack, which left 25 tourists Pakistan retaliated by launching a wave of drone attacks targeting Indian military facilities and border towns, the armed forces struck 11 vital airbases with long-range BrahMos the armed forces had deflected questions about Indian jets being shot down by Pakistan. Addressing a press conference, Air Marshal AK Bharti, Director General of Air Operations (DGAO), said "losses are a part of any combat scenario". However, he said all Indian pilots "were back"."We are in a combat scenario and losses are a part of it. Question is have we achieved our objective? Answer is a thumping yes. At this time, I would not like to comment on that (loss of jets) as we are still in combat and give advantage to adversary. All our pilots are back home," he NUCLEAR WEAPONS, CEASEFIRE WITH PAKThe Chief of Defence Staff also made it clear that the conflict never came close to a nuclear war, while underscoring that "channels of communication" with Pakistan were always open to control the flies in the face of US President Donald Trump's repeated assertion that he avoided a potential nuclear disaster by mediating the ceasefire between India and Pakistan."I personally feel that there is a lot of space between conduct of conventional operations and the nuclear threshold," General Chauhan told Bloomberg.
