In a quick escalation of cross-border hostilities, India launched strikes overnight targeting six key Pakistani airbases, marking a military response to a series of recent drone attacks originating from across the border.
Amid the growing tensions, prime minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level security meeting on Saturday with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the National Security Adviser, and the chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force.
The meeting reviewed the operational status and further response strategies in light of the evolving security situation.
According to government sources who talked to journalists, the Indian Armed Forces targeted and inflicted 鈥榟eavy damage鈥� on military infrastructure and assets at the Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur and Chunian airbases.
The offensive, dubbed Operation Sindoor, is understood to have been initiated after multiple Pakistani drones targeted Indian positions in Jammu in recent days.
Defence sources said the Indian military also struck terror launch pads and Pakistani military posts in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir鈥檚 Neelam Valley and Sialkot region. These sites were reportedly being used to deploy tube-launched drones aimed at Indian territories.
In a retaliatory move, Pakistan launched a long-range missile targeting a strategic Indian site. However, the missile was said to have been intercepted and neutralised by India鈥檚 Air Defence Systems in the Western Sector, preventing any damage or casualties.
A comprehensive battle assessment is underway, and the Ministry of External Affairs is expected to issue an official briefing later today.
The latest developments signify a sharp deterioration in Indo-Pak relations, with both sides now actively engaging in high-stakes military manoeuvres amid rising regional tensions.