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News18
25-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
New Satellite Images Show Broader Damage On Pakistan's Nur Khan Airbase After India's Strike
Last Updated: Presenting a "broader footprint of the damage", satellite images released by The Intel Lab revealed that the complex near India's strike location was demolished Another review has revealed that Pakistan's highly critical Nur Khan airbase may have suffered broader damage than previously estimated during Operation Sindoor. New satellite images show that not only two special-purpose trucks, but an entire complex was demolished near India's strike location. Presenting a 'broader footprint of the damage", satellite images released by The Intel Lab revealed that the complex near India's strike location was demolished. 'A review of Nur Khan Airbase, Pakistan reveals the entire complex near India's strike location has now been demolished, suggesting the strike's effect went beyond the two special-purpose trucks – possibly presenting a broader footprint of the damage," said a post by Damien Symon on X. A review of Nur Khan Airbase, Pakistan reveals the entire complex near India's strike location has now been demolished, suggesting the strike's effect went beyond the two special-purpose trucks – possibly presenting a broader footprint of the damage @TheIntelLab #SkyFi — Damien Symon (@detresfa_) May 25, 2025 According to reviews and satellite images released earlier, precision strikes by the Indian Air Force on Pakistan's Nur Khan airbase between May 8 and 10 had disabled infrastructure and ground support vehicles at the site. The Indian strike on the Nur Khan airbase – located in Rawalpindi and close to Pakistan Army's headquarters – was a strategic and symbolic blow to Pakistan as it serves as the headquarters of its air mobility command. It further exposes gaps in the neighbouring country's air defence system (ADS) and its inability to defend this high-value target. Nur Khan houses critical assets like Saab Erieye airborne early warning systems, C-130 transporters and IL-78 refuelling aircraft. These are vital for surveillance, logistics, and aerial coordination, especially in cross-border operations. The base is central to Pakistan's drone warfare campaigns. The airbase is used for the launch of Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 and indigenous Shahpar-I drones targeting India. It is also used for training elite pilots and hosting VIP fleets like the presidential aircraft. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: May 25, 2025, 20:32 IST
India Today
13-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Pakistan to revalidate emergency airstrips after Indian strikes cripple bases
In the aftermath of devastating Indian airstrikes on May 10 that severely damaged multiple military airbases across Pakistan, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has initiated logistics to activate its emergency airstrips on national highways. Sources confirm that revalidation exercises for the M1 and M2 emergency airstrips - located on the Islamabad-Peshawar and Islamabad-Lahore motorways - are scheduled for this development comes in the wake of a massive precision air operation conducted by the Indian Air Force on May 10, which struck 11 Pakistani military sites in a pre-dawn offensive as part of Operation Sindoor. The strikes, executed using air-launched precision munitions, targeted high-value airbases in Rafiqui, Murid, Nur Khan, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, Chunian, Pasrur, and Satellite images shared by Indian defence sources showed extensive destruction: blown-up runways, collapsed hangars, and charred infrastructure. At Rahim Yar Khan, a giant crater tore through the main airstrip. Pasrur, Chunian, and Arifwala saw air defence radars heavily Nur Khan airbase in Chaklala - home to Pakistan's key transport squadrons, including C-130 Hercules and IL-78 mid-air refuelers - was also hit. Located perilously close to the Strategic Plans Division, which oversees Pakistan's nuclear arsenal, the strike on Nur Khan sent shockwaves through significant target was the Mushaf airbase in Sargodha. Satellite evidence indicated strikes on its runway. The base is reportedly linked to underground nuclear storage near the Kirana Hills. Indian Air Marshal AK Bharti later denied any intention to strike nuclear assets, saying there was no hit on Kirana Hills or "whatever is there".advertisementSources say the strikes inflicted operational paralysis on more than eight airbases, leaving Pakistan in a state of shock over the sudden collapse of its aerial a result, Pakistan is now turning to its contingency plans, trying to restore at least some aerial capability through highway-based emergency runways. However, even these motorways bore the brunt of the Indian assault, with visuals showing massive craters in the middle of key attack reportedly sparked panic within the Pakistani leadership. On May 10 itself, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened a meeting of the National Command Authority - the country's apex nuclear decision-making body - although Islamabad officially denied it. Indian officials, meanwhile, described the strikes as a "decisive signal" of intent and InTrending Reel
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Operation Sindoor: India's missile strikes in Pakistan level Nur Khan airbase, leaves huge crater in Rahim Yar Khan Airbase
NEW DELHI: India's armed forces delivered a major blow to Pakistan's military infrastructure with the destruction of Nur Khan Airbase , a central hub of Pakistan's air power, in precision strikes carried out under Operation Sindoor . The announcement came during a joint press briefing on Monday, where top defence officials, including Air Marshal AK Bharti, presented visual evidence of the extensive damage. Formerly known as PAF Chaklala, Nur Khan Airbase is located in Rawalpindi and serves as the nerve centre of Pakistan's Air Mobility Command. The base is home to high-value aerial assets, including Saab Erieye airborne early warning systems, C-130 transport aircraft, and IL-78 aerial refuelling tankers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like We earn ₹7000 a month—we can't save him alone Donate For Health Learn More Undo The strike on this installation marks a severe strategic setback for Pakistan's air force. Air Marshal Bharti, while showcasing visuals of the destroyed base, said, "We have targeted the length and breadth of the adversary." He also shared footage from another significant strike site, Pakistan's Rahim Yar Khan Airbase , which bore a massive crater from the IAF's assault. Air Marshal praised the performance of India's defence systems, particularly the indigenous Akash air defence system , saying, "our battle-proven systems stood the test of time and take them head on. Another highlight has been the stellar performance of the indigenous air defence system, the Akash system. Putting together and operationalising the potent AD environment has been possible only because of budgetary and policy support from the government of India in the last decade." Commenting on Pakistan's actions, Bharti said, "It is a pity that the Pakistani military chose to intervene on behalf of terrorists, and hence we chose to respond." He assured that all Indian military installations remain fully operational and on alert for any future missions. Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 in direct response to the Pakistan-backed terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which killed 26 civilians. The Indian armed forces carried out coordinated strikes on nine high-value terror launchpads across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Pakistan responded in the days following with a barrage of drones and missiles, all of which were intercepted and destroyed by Indian air defence systems.
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First Post
12-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Where is Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir? Was he hiding in a bunker as India attacked?
India's retaliation to Pakistan's drone and missile strikes on the nights of May 9 and 10 was swift and deadly. So deadly that sources have now revealed that Pakistan army chief General Asim Munir had to be moved to a fortified bunker where he cowered for nearly three hours read more Pakistan's Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir stands on a military tank speaking with army troops. Amidst India's precise strikes on Pakistan's air bases, reports say that Munir was shifted to a fortified bunker. File image/AFP On the nights of May 9 and 10, in retaliation to Pakistan's rain of drones and missiles targeted towards India, New Delhi launched a counter-attack, targeting several air bases in Pakistan, including the noted Nur Ali Khan airbase, situated near Pakistan Army Headquarters in Rawalpindi. Now, government sources have revealed that such was the intensity of India's strikes that Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir had to be moved to a fortified bunker within the General Headquarters complex in Rawalpindi. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Here's what we have found out so far. Munir hides out in a bunker? On the night of May 10, India, as part of its broader retaliatory Operation Sindoor , hit six air bases across the border using air-launched precision weapons. The targets included critical air bases in Rafiqui, Murid, Nur Khan, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, Chunian, Pasrur, and Sialkot, India's Ministry of Defence said. The strike on Nur Khan air base in Chaklala, near Rawalpindi, carries significant strategic weight. The base is home to Pakistan's main transport squadrons and vital for logistical and strategic airlift operations, housing aircraft like C-130 Hercules and IL-78 mid-air refuelers. Moreover, Nur Khan lies in close proximity to the military headquarters, and the Strategic Plans Division, the body overseeing Pakistan's nuclear arsenal. But in news that would be embarrassing to Pakistan, News18 citing government sources said that Pakistan Army chief General Munir was moved to a fortified bunker within the General Headquarters (GHQ) complex where he hid for at least two-three hours. Since then, he has been moved to a safe house and has not returned to his office at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Pakistan's Rawalpindi, reported Times Now. The news outlet further reported that following India's forceful strikes, Munir's family has already left Pakistan using diplomatic passports. There's also speculation that Pakistan is considering to relocate the army chief's operational base, a move that underscores the heightened sense of vulnerability at the heart of the country's military command. Demonstrators carrying posters with portraits of Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir shout slogans as they participate in an anti-India protest in Lahore. AFP How is Munir's absence fuelling speculation? Notably, this isn't the first time that rumours are swirling over General Munir's whereabouts. Days after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, social media was abuzz with hashtags and memes on Munir's location. Some reports claimed General Munir had gone 'MIA' (missing in action) while others reported that he had fled Pakistan. Some even reported that Munir had gone into hiding in a bunker in Rawalpindi. In fact, chatter on Munir's whereabouts spawned the hashtag #MunirOut with users questioning the chief's absence. However, as the rumours flew thick and fast, the Pakistan government sought to clear the air by posting a photo of General Munir, along with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, attending an event in Abbottabad on April 26. 'Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir (NIM) and officers of PMA Kakul in a group photo with the graduating officers of 151st Long Course at PMA Kakul, Abbottabad. April 26, 2025,' said the caption. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir (NIM) and officers of PMA Kakul in a group photo with the graduating officers of 151st Long Course at PMA Kakul, Abbottabad. April 26, 2025. — Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) April 27, 2025 Who is General Asim Munir? Since tensions first began brewing between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, the attention has shifted to General Asim Munir, who took over as Pakistan's army chief more than two years ago. However, unlike former army chiefs, Munir's rise to the top has been different. Munir entered the army through the officers' training school rather than the more prestigious route of Pakistan's military academy. He then worked his way up the ranks quickly, becoming the director of military intelligence in 2016, followed by the director general of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), one of the most powerful military roles, in 2018. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD General Syed Asim Munir was elected to the post of Pakistan army chief in 2022 by PM Shehbaz Sharif. File image/AP In his term as ISI chief, he fell foul with then Prime Minister Imran Khan, who in turn, removed him from his post in 2019. However, Munir was moved to another senior military post and was selected by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to become the new army chief in 2022. Munir, according to people close to him, has always held a hardline view on India. He is a strong proponent of the 'two nation theory' — that the Muslims of Pakistan fundamentally cannot live in the same country as Hindus. In fact, last month he had said, 'Our religions are different, our cultures are different, our traditions are different, our thoughts are different, our ambitions are different'. He had also said that Kashmir is Islamabad's 'jugular vein' and will be so and that Pakistan 'won't forget it'. Munir has also been antagonistic against Iran and Afghanistan — launching retaliatory cross-border strikes on both countries in the past year. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It is left to be seen what's next for Munir as both countries have now agreed to a truce. The question remains — will the Pakistan army chief from using terrorists and proxy war against India? As of now, India's strong actions seem to have deterred Munir and the Pakistan army against any future misadventure. With inputs from agencies
India Today
12-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Why Pakistan pressed panic button after India targeted its air bases
India's precision air strikes on critical Pakistani air bases on May 10 not only delivered a crushing blow to Pakistan's aerial capabilities but also signalled a decisive turn in the four-day escalation between the two nuclear-armed Indian missiles obliterated vital runways and struck uncomfortably close to its nuclear arsenal, Islamabad was sweating bullets. Within hours of the coordinated strikes, an alarmed US was forced to intervene and a cornered Pakistan made urgent overtures for a halt to all military actions. It was advantage response came hours after a Pakistani missile and drone attack targeted 15 Indian airfields and garrisons across Jammu and Kashmir to Gujarat. The assault, which killed 16 civilians and damaged religious structures, followed New Delhi's offer to Islamabad to open communication channels aimed at de-escalation. After that, retaliation was inevitable—one designed to hit Pakistan where it targets Pakistan's military infrastructureIn a pre-dawn operation on May 10, the Indian Air Force (IAF) struck 11 military sites deep inside Pakistan using air-launched precision weapons. The targets included critical air bases in Rafiqui, Murid, Nur Khan, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, Chunian, Pasrur, and Sialkot, the Ministry of Defence imagery later confirmed the extensive damage, showing destroyed hangars and blown-up air strips. A strike on Rahim Yar Khan airbase left a massive crater on the runway. advertisement In Pasrur, Chunian and Arifwala, air defence radars were damaged, satellite images shared by the Indian armed forces significance of strikesThe strike on Nur Khan air base in Chaklala, near Rawalpindi, carried significant strategic weight. The base is home to Pakistan's main transport squadrons and vital for logistical and strategic airlift operations, housing aircraft like C-130 Hercules and IL-78 mid-air critically, Nur Khan lies in close proximity to the headquarters of the Strategic Plans Division, the body overseeing Pakistan's nuclear arsenal. The New York Times quoted a former US official familiar with Pakistan's nuclear programme, noting, "Pakistan's deepest fear is of its nuclear command authority being decapitated. The missile strike on Nur Khan could have been interpreted... as a warning that India could do just that."Satellite imagery also indicated a strike on the runway of Mushaf airbase in Sargodha. This base is reportedly linked to underground nuclear storage sites beneath the Kirana Hills and was struck with multiple loitering penetrating munitions. (Source: X/@KawaSpace) These strikes on Nur Khan and Sargodha were not merely retaliatory; they served as a calculated signal to Pakistan about India's capability to neutralise its nuclear arsenal if the conflict escalated in Islamabad and US interventionAccording to government sources, the Indian strikes triggered panic in same day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened an emergency meeting of the National Command Authority, the apex body responsible for operational decisions regarding the country's nukes. While Pakistan later denied the meeting, the reports highlighted the impact of India's assertive Washington DC, Trump administration officials worried about the conflict spiralling out of control. The New York Times reported that US Vice President JD Vance, who had previously stated the conflict was "none of our business," called Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging de-escalation and direct engagement with Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir and then External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, government sources conveyed that the Pakistanis were willing to stop firing, and would India agree. Jaishankar responded: "If they don't fire, we won't fire."advertisementSubsequently, the Pakistani Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) reached out to his Indian counterpart through established channels, seeking a damaging air strikes on key air bases effectively cornered Pakistan, leaving it with little option but to stand down and parley for a pause in the fighting. This gave India the strategic upper-hand and paved the way for a fragile truce on its own terms, albeit with a nudge from the Sindoor represents a marked shift in India's strategic approach towards Pakistan. By striking deep into Pakistan's heartland, targeting strategically important areas like Punjab province, it altered the terms of a further caution to Pakistan, India adopted a new doctrine regarding cross-border terrorism: any future act of terror will be considered an act of war, warranting a direct and forceful InTrending Reel
