India’s armed forces on May 10 shattered Pakistan’s air defences and key military assets, prompting Islamabad to request an US-brokered ceasefire after its retaliatory Operation Bunyan al-Marsoos crumbled in just eight hours, Hindustan Times reported citing people familiar with the matter.
Pakistan’s operation began at 1 am on May 10, with Islamabad’s resolution to target Indian air bases in the next 48 hours. However, the operation fell apart quickly by around 9:30 am as India carried out four powerful air strikes that night, leaving Pakistan’s military infrastructure in ruins.
The conflict is rooted in India’s Operation Sindoor, which was launched on May 7 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives. India has accused Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism.
As part of Operation Sindoor, India carried out precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, leading to the elimination of over 170 terrorists and 42 Pakistani military personnel, defence sources told Moneycontrol.
India’s persistent attack
On May 10, the IAF conducted precision strikes on key Pakistani air bases, including Nur Khan in Chaklala, Jacobabad, as well as Bholari. In the first strike, Rafale-fired SCALP and SU-30 MKI-launched BrahMos missiles demolished the northern air command-and-control center at Nur Khan, the people told HT. By the time the IAF launched its final strikes on the Jacobabad and Bholari air bases, Pakistan had already backed down and was seeking US intervention for a ceasefire, the report added.
India’s S-400 air defence system, stationed at Adampur, played a crucial role during Operation Sindoor, with 11 engagements. Notably, it took down a Pakistani SAAB-2000 airborne early warning system located 315 kilometers inside Pakistani territory. According to the people cited by HT, the Indian Air Force has proof that its missiles took down a C-130J medium lift aircraft, a JF-17, and two F-16s, targeting them both in the air and on the ground.
The report also revealed that China’s HQ-9, a cheaper version of Russia’s S-300, and LY-80 air defence system was also taken down during the Indian strikes on May 10.
Karachi Naval Port could have been attacked
With Indian Navy ships positioned 260 miles off the Makaran Coast on May 10, a strike on Karachi Naval Port was imminent.
Pakistan’s DGMO threatened retaliation if BrahMos missiles were used. Undeterred by the threat, India’s military and political leadership stood firm. By afternoon, the Pakistani DGMO was requesting a no-fire pact.
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