When Indian fighter jets bombed Karachi: Indian Air Force revisits 1971 blitz that crushed Pakistan's early offensive

AN-12 aircraft dropped forty-eight 500-lb bombs over Changa Manga, igniting a massive blaze in a major enemy supply depot

The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Wednesday revisited its decisive counter-offensive to Pakistan's pre-emptive air strikes of December 3, 1971 - the opening salvo of a 14-day conflict that ended in a sweeping Indian victory and the birth of Bangladesh.

According to the IAF's account, Canberra bombers launched 23 deep-strike missions through the night, targeting key Pakistani airfields at Murid, Mianwali, Sargodha, Chander, Risalewala, Shorkot and Masrur in Karachi. The attacks cratered runways, destroyed vital installations, and quickly neutralised Pakistan's early advantage.

#ThisDayThatYear Following Pakistan's pre-emptive strike on 03 Dec 1971, the IAF answered with precision and fury. Through the night, Canberra crew flew 23 deep-strike missions, hitting enemy airfields at Murid, Mianwali, Sargodha, Chander, Risalewala, Shorkot and Masrur… pic.twitter.com/OZmhVAUxQ7

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) December 3, 2025

Air-land operations followed soon after, beginning with what the IAF described as a powerful demonstration of its long-range capability. AN-12 aircraft dropped forty-eight 500-lb bombs over Changa Manga, igniting a massive blaze in a major enemy supply depot.

The conflict culminated on December 16, 1971, when Lieutenant General A.A.K. Niazi of Pakistan surrendered to Lieutenant General J.S. Aurora of the Indian Army, marking the capitulation of 93,000 troops - the largest mass surrender since World War II. The date is commemorated as Vijay Diwas in India and Bangladesh.

Relations between the two nations, however, have recently come under strain following the ousting of Sheikh Hasina as Bangladesh's prime minister in August 2024. Hasina has remained in Delhi since her removal. In contrast, Pakistan-Bangladesh ties have warmed considerably under the caretaker government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka.