Air Marshal Bharti refutes rumours of targeting Pakistan's 'nuclear storage facility', says we did not hit Kirana Hills

Air Marshal Bharti refutes rumours of targeting Pakistan's 'nuclear storage facility', says we did not hit Kirana Hills

Air Marshal AK Bharti on Monday dismissed speculation circulating on social media and in international media that India had targeted Pakistan’s “nuclear storage" sites at Kirana Hills during Operation Sindoor.

In response to a question on whether India hit Pakistan’s nuclear storage site during the press breifing, Air Marshal Bharti clarified, “We did not strike Kirana Hills. But thank you for telling us that Pakistan has stored its nuclear weapons at Kirana Hills, whatever is there. It was not on the list of the targets we told you we hit."

Social media has been buzzed with speculation that India may have struck the Kirana Hills area, located near Pakistan’s Sargodha Air Base and believed by some to store nuclear weapons. These rumours escalated after India confirmed targeting the Sargodha base and following the announcement of a ceasefire between the two nations.

Some conspiracy theories even connected recent earthquakes in Pakistan to a potential hit on a nuclear site. Others alleged that aircraft from the US and Egypt were detected in Pakistani airspace, supposedly conducting checks for nuclear leaks.

Air Marshal Bharti reaffirmed that India’s strikes under Operation Sindoor were directed at terror infrastructure, not at Pakistan’s military or civilian assets.

“Our fight was against terrorism and its support network. However, it is a pity that the Pakistan military chose to intervene and bat for the terrorists, which compelled us to respond in kind", he added.

He said India hit Pakistan’s Air Force bases after Pakistan attempted to attack Indian cities and military installments with Turkish drones, Chinese developed missiles and fighter aircraft.

During the briefing, the Indian military showcased debris from a Chinese-made PL-15 air-to-air missile, which was allegedly used by Pakistan, along with remains of Turkish-made Songar drones that were shot down during the hostilities.