Latest news with #Symon
India Today
28-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Satellite pics show how India targeted underground complex at Pak's Murid base
India's May 10 airstrike on Pakistan's Murid Air Base during Operation Sindoor may have targeted a suspected underground facility, newly released high-resolution satellite images imagery captured by Maxar Technologies shows a nearly 3-metre-wide crater just 30 metres from the entrance of a heavily fortified sub-complex within the Murid Air Base—an area protected by double fencing, watchtowers, and tight security to Damien Symon, geo-intelligence researcher at the Intel Lab, the crater's proximity to what is believed to be an underground structure has raised speculation that India aimed to strike deep-buried assets, possibly linked to command-and-control functions or drone operations. The strike appears to have breached the perimeter defences of this high-value zone, hinting at the use of precision-guided munitions and deep-penetration targeting. If confirmed, this would be the first known instance of India attempting to disable subterranean military infrastructure in on the base, damage is visible to the roof of what appears to be a command-and-control building adjacent to a UAV complex and hangar. The roof shows clear signs of impact, with indications of internal damage, suggesting a direct strike, said Symon. advertisement Meanwhile, Maxar images of Nur Khan Air Base, also hit during Operation Sindoor, reveal a broader than initially estimated damage images captured a week after the strikes shows the demolition of a building complex near what was initially assessed to be India's primary target. While preliminary observations on May 10 indicated the destruction of special-use trucks, Symon said the follow-up imagery indicates structural devastation that may have rendered parts of the base inoperable and beyond repair.
NDTV
27-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Satellite Pics: Did India Target Underground Facility at Pak's Murid Air Base?
New Delhi: New high-resolution satellite images, accessed by NDTV, show extensive damage to the Murid air base of Pakistan, showing a three-metre-wide crater just 30 metres from an underground facility of the Pakistan Air Force and damage to the rooftop of a structure adjacent to unmanned aerial vehicle hangars. The first image shows a massive crater at the air base after strikes. "The Strike is visible at the most guarded complex within Murid Airbase. The approximately three-meter-wide munition impact crater is just 30 meters north of one of the two entrances to a likely underground facility," says Damien Symon, a geospatial intelligence researcher associated with the Intel Lab, known for his work analysing satellite imagery to monitor military and infrastructure developments. "This complex is heavily protected with double fencing, its own watchtowers and access control indicating its high-value nature as a target. The earth-protected entrances suggest this site might serve as storage for special equipment or as a hardened operational shelter for personnel, capable of withstanding heavy bombardment," he added. NDTV accessed an image from April 16 (Image 1), showing the undamaged building at Murid, a Forward Operating Base of Pakistan. The post-strike (image 2) from May 10 shows damage to the building. Mr Symon said, "Structural damage is evident at this facility, believed to serve as a command-and-control node near the UAV complex of the airbase. A portion of the roof has collapsed inward, and the outer walls also exhibit visible deterioration, likely from impact-related stress. A strike like this could've also caused damage within the upper floors of the building as well." The Murid air base is 150 kilometres from the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated in Pakistan's Chakwal, supporting the Sargodha air base and the Nur Khan air base in Rawalpindi. Both were struck by India on May 10, along with eight other bases. India struck deep inside Pakistan, its response was "measured and calibrated." New Images Of Nur Khan Air Base Nur Khan is a strategic air base situated between Rawalpindi and Islamabad - the two nerve centres of Pakistan. The former is the headquarters of the Pakistan military, and the latter is the political power centre of the country. Satellite imagery from April 25, taken almost two weeks before the strikes, shows the facility and the undamaged trucks, says Mr Symon. Satellite imagery from May 10 shows two trailer trucks, believed to be command and control facilities, having been destroyed by a pinpoint-accurate Indian strike. Post-strike image from May 17 indicates that Pakistani authorities cleared the area around the site of the attack, he added. The image from May 17, taken a week after the strikes when a ceasefire was declared, shows Pakistan's clean-up operation at the air base. Mr Symon, explaining the extent of damage, said, "Previously, only two special-purpose trucks were assessed as damaged here, but the demolition of the adjoining 7,000 sq ft facility indicates India's strike had deeper consequences. The structures part of this demolished complex likely suffered extensive internal and structural damage, making repairs unviable for the Pakistan Air Force. The Maxar high-resolution images, earlier accessed by NDTV, showed extensive damage to Pakistan's Sargodha, Nur Khan (Chaklala), Bholari, Jacobabad, Sukkur and Rahim Yar Khan. Also read: At the Jacobabad air base, a hangar was damaged after Indian strikes, and debris was visible in the satellite images. Hangars are structures built at an air base to protect aircraft, primarily for maintenance and repair. During India's precision strikes, Bholari air base was chosen as a target, and India struck the hangar, causing severe damage to its roof, as shown in an image from May 11. Sukkur air base, located in the Sindh province, is a strategic air base for Pakistan, which lies west of the International border with Rajasthan. A satellite image from May 10 shows severe structural damage at the base and massive debris on the side. There was vegetation burn that may have been caused by fire after the strike, with a possible burn/strike scar next to the damaged structure. The Rahim Yar Khan air base, located in the Punjab province of Pakistan, was targeted, and a large crater was formed on the runway after the Indian strikes. During Operation Sindoor, Indian strikes damaged the runway at two locations of the Mushaf airbase (earlier known as Sargodha) - One at an intersection and the other on the main runway. The images from May 10 show the runway being cratered after Indian strikes at the two locations.
Miami Herald
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
New Satellite Images Reveal Greater Damage to Pakistan Airbase After India Strike
New satellite imagery suggests India's missile strike on Pakistan's Nur Khan airbase earlier this month may have caused significantly more destruction than initially assessed. The images, shared by open source intelligence researcher Damien Symon, reveal that a major operations complex at the Rawalpindi-based airbase has been completely demolished. The facility, targeted during India's Operation Sindoor, sits near some of Pakistan's most sensitive military and nuclear infrastructure. The scope of the damage now appears broader than previously believed, hinting at a deeper strategic impact from the Indian strike. Newsweek has reached out to the foreign ministries of Pakistan and India for comment. The Nur Khan airbase is one of Pakistan's most strategically important facilities, housing transport aircraft and surveillance systems, and located just miles from the Strategic Plans Division and Pakistan Army headquarters. Its proximity to these institutions gives the airbase outsized importance in Pakistan's military ecosystem. The demolition of an entire operations center would suggest the strike had penetrated a critical node in Pakistan's defense infrastructure. Symon posted the new satellite images on social media, showing that the 7,000-square-foot operations complex near the site of the May 10 strike has been dismantled. Earlier imagery showed damage to two specialized military trucks, but the full teardown of the facility points to deeper internal damage. Symon told Hindustan Times that the decision to demolish the complex indicates restoration was "uneconomical or not viable," likely due to extensive structural and systemic damage. Its proximity to the blast zone may have compromised essential components such as wiring, internal systems, and the building's physical integrity. The strike on Nur Khan was part of India's broader retaliation under Operation Sindoor, launched after a deadly attack in the Kashmir town of Pahalgam on April 22. That attack, which India blamed on Pakistan-based militants, killed 26 civilians and was among the deadliest incidents in the region in recent years. In response, India launched strikes on eight Pakistani airbases using air-launched cruise missiles. A four-day military confrontation followed, involving drones, long-range artillery, and missile systems, before both sides agreed to halt operations. India's Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha of Jammu and Kashmir said: "Terrorism and dialogue cannot go hand in hand. Our soldiers have the capability to respond to any challenge and eliminate the threat to ensure the safety and peace of our people." Pakistan's Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations stated: "These blatant acts of aggression by India reflect the paranoia within the Indian mindset which continues to grow after the failure of each of its acts." The new evidence of extensive damage may prompt Pakistan to reassess its airbase resilience and trigger broader regional concerns over escalation control and strategic deterrence. Related Articles China Fast-Tracks Stealth Jets to Pakistan to Counter India: ReportSuicide Bomber Hits School Bus, Pakistan Accuses IndiaMap Shows Countries That Prefer China to the USPakistan's $10bn High-Speed Rail Project Raises Questions 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
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First Post
26-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
New satellite images show extensive damage to Pakistan's Nur Khan and Murid bases in Indian strike
While satellite imagery of the Murid Airbase show structural damage to a command and control building, including a partial roof collapse, images of the Nur Khan airbase reveals a completely demolished complex read more New satellite imagery has revealed the extent of damage suffered by Pakistan during India's strikes on its airbases as part of Operation Sindoor. The images, shared by analyst Damien Symon on X, show visible infrastructure damage at Pakistan's Nur Khan and Murid airbases. Both facilities were reportedly targeted by Indian forces in response to Pakistani efforts to strike Indian military assets. While satellite imagery of the Murid Airbase show structural damage to a command and control building, including a partial roof collapse, images of the Nur Khan airbase reveals a completely demolished complex. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'This report spotlights damage at Pakistan's Murid Airbase - the Indian Air Force strike has caused structural damage to a Command & Control building,a section of the roof has collapsed as well, likely causing internal damage,' Symon wrote on X along with sharing the image. This report spotlights damage at Pakistan's Murid Airbase - the Indian Air Force strike has caused structural damage to a Command & Control building, a section of the roof has collapsed as well, likely causing internal damage @TheIntelLab #Skyfi — Damien Symon (@detresfa_) May 26, 2025 '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,' Symon said in other post 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 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Indian armed forces targeted multiple Pakistan Air Force bases as part of 'Operation Sindoor', including facilities in Rafiqui, Murid, Nur Khan, Chunian in Punjab, and Sukkur. Among them, the Nur Khan Airbase is considered the most significant. It houses Pakistan's primary transport squadrons and plays a critical role in logistical and strategic airlift operations. The base operates aircraft such as the C-130 Hercules, Saab 2000, IL-78 mid-air refuelers, and VIP transport planes. Murid Airbase, meanwhile, is a key installation for maintaining the operational readiness of Pakistan's aerial assets near the Indian border. It hosts a fleet of fighter jets and advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). High-end drones stationed at Murid include the Shahpar 1, Shahpar 2, Burraq, Falco, Bayraktar TB2S, Bayraktar Akinci, CH-4, and Wing Loong 2. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'Operation Sindoor' was launched by India on May 7 as a precision strike mission targeting terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation followed the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians. The strikes triggered four days of intense cross-border hostilities, after Pakistan launched unprovoked attacks on Indian cities along the international border and the Line of Control. Although both sides agreed to a ceasefire on May 12, Pakistan reportedly violated the truce within hours. With inputs from agencies
Newsweek
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
New Satellite Images Reveal Greater Damage to Pakistan Airbase After India Strike
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. New satellite imagery suggests India's missile strike on Pakistan's Nur Khan airbase earlier this month may have caused significantly more destruction than initially assessed. The images, shared by open source intelligence researcher Damien Symon, reveal that a major operations complex at the Rawalpindi-based airbase has been completely demolished. The facility, targeted during India's Operation Sindoor, sits near some of Pakistan's most sensitive military and nuclear infrastructure. The scope of the damage now appears broader than previously believed, hinting at a deeper strategic impact from the Indian strike. Newsweek has reached out to the foreign ministries of Pakistan and India for comment. Why It Matters The Nur Khan airbase is one of Pakistan's most strategically important facilities, housing transport aircraft and surveillance systems, and located just miles from the Strategic Plans Division and Pakistan Army headquarters. Its proximity to these institutions gives the airbase outsized importance in Pakistan's military ecosystem. The demolition of an entire operations center would suggest the strike had penetrated a critical node in Pakistan's defense infrastructure. 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 What to Know Symon posted the new satellite images on social media, showing that the 7,000-square-foot operations complex near the site of the May 10 strike has been dismantled. Earlier imagery showed damage to two specialized military trucks, but the full teardown of the facility points to deeper internal damage. Symon told Hindustan Times that the decision to demolish the complex indicates restoration was "uneconomical or not viable," likely due to extensive structural and systemic damage. Its proximity to the blast zone may have compromised essential components such as wiring, internal systems, and the building's physical integrity. India's Operation Sindoor The strike on Nur Khan was part of India's broader retaliation under Operation Sindoor, launched after a deadly attack in the Kashmir town of Pahalgam on April 22. That attack, which India blamed on Pakistan-based militants, killed 26 civilians and was among the deadliest incidents in the region in recent years. In response, India launched strikes on eight Pakistani airbases using air-launched cruise missiles. A four-day military confrontation followed, involving drones, long-range artillery, and missile systems, before both sides agreed to halt operations. A BSF personnel during a retreat ceremony at the Attari-Wagah border, near Amritsar, Tuesday, May 20, 2025. The Border Security Force (BSF) has said the public flag-lowering retreat ceremony at three locations in Punjab along... A BSF personnel during a retreat ceremony at the Attari-Wagah border, near Amritsar, Tuesday, May 20, 2025. The Border Security Force (BSF) has said the public flag-lowering retreat ceremony at three locations in Punjab along the Pakistan frontier will begin on Wednesday, about two weeks after it was stopped following Operation Sindoor. More Shiva Sharma/AP Photo What People Are Saying India's Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha of Jammu and Kashmir said: "Terrorism and dialogue cannot go hand in hand. Our soldiers have the capability to respond to any challenge and eliminate the threat to ensure the safety and peace of our people." Pakistan's Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations stated: "These blatant acts of aggression by India reflect the paranoia within the Indian mindset which continues to grow after the failure of each of its acts." What Happens Next The new evidence of extensive damage may prompt Pakistan to reassess its airbase resilience and trigger broader regional concerns over escalation control and strategic deterrence.
