Pakistan has initiated a retaliatory military campaign, termed the “Bunyan-un-Marsoos” operation, following missile strikes by India on three Pakistani airbases.
According to state media reports early Saturday, “The Bunyan-un-Marsoos operation is now underway,” with multiple targets inside India being hit as part of the counterattacks.
The phrase “Bunyan-un-Marsoos” translates to “solid structure” or “impenetrable wall.”
Pakistan’s military stated that its strikes targeted an Indian BrahMos missile depot and airbases in Pathankot and Udhampur, located in the Indian-administered region of Kashmir.
Meanwhile, Indian air raids were also ongoing in Pakistan, according to Reuters, which cited sources in the Indian military.
Residents in Indian-controlled Kashmir reported loud explosions in several areas, including the major cities of Srinagar and Jammu, as well as the military town of Udhampur.
The conflict marks a sharp rise in tensions between the two nuclear-armed South Asian nations.
India had launched missile attacks on three Pakistani airbases ahead of Pakistan’s response, but most were intercepted, according to Pakistan’s military spokesperson.
This recent escalation follows a deadly gun attack last month that India attributes to Pakistan. Islamabad has denied involvement and has called for an international investigation, a proposal India has dismissed.
In a statement released late Friday, the Indian army said drones were detected at 26 locations across states bordering Pakistan and within Indian-controlled Kashmir, including the city of Srinagar.
The military noted that the drones were monitored and responded to, adding, “The situation is being closely monitored, and swift action is being taken as required.”
