Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, May 24: Pakistan’s retaliatory Operation Bunyan al-Marsoos in response to India’s Operation Sindoor on May 10 reportedly lasted just eight hours, as multiple Indian Air Force strikes crippled Pakistan’s air capabilities and defences, forcing Islamabad to seek urgent intervention from the United States for a ceasefire.
According to sources familiar with the operation, India launched four major precision strikes through the night of May 10, deploying Rafale jets equipped with SCALP missiles and Su-30 MKIs with BrahMos missiles. The first wave of strikes reportedly destroyed the northern air command-control infrastructure at Nur Khan Airbase in Chaklala. Subsequent strikes targeted key Pakistani military assets at Jacobabad and Bholari airbases.
India’s S-400 air defence systems stationed in Adampur were activated 11 times during the operation, reportedly downing a Pakistani SAAB-2000 airborne early warning aircraft as far as 315 km inside Pakistan. Additionally, the IAF claims to have neutralised a C-130J transport aircraft, a JF-17 fighter, and two F-16s on the ground and in the air.
The Pakistani operation, which began around 1 am on May 10 with threats to destroy Indian airbases within 48 hours, reportedly collapsed by 9:30 am the same day. “India hit back hard and fast, rendering Pakistan’s air command and defences paralyzed,” sources said.
The offensive followed a May 7 Indian strike on nine terror camps, in which seven were hit using loitering ammunition and precision-guided SCALP and BrahMos missiles. Notably, terror infrastructure in Muridke and Bahawalpur known hubs of anti-India groups were targeted and severely damaged.
Indian forces also reportedly deployed HARPY kamikaze drones to take out a Chinese-made LY-80 air defence system in Lahore, and used a missile strike to destroy a Chinese HQ-9 system (a variant of the Russian S-300) in Karachi’s Malir area.
Meanwhile, the Indian Navy had moved its fleet within 260 nautical miles off the Makran Coast and was reportedly prepared to strike Karachi Naval Port on the morning of May 10. However, Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) contacted Indian counterparts warning of a retaliatory strike if BrahMos missiles were used against Karachi port. Despite the warning, India remained unfazed. By afternoon, the Pakistan DGMO was reportedly requesting a ceasefire.
The dramatic escalation and its swift de-escalation underline India’s enhanced military preparedness and strategic deterrence posture, especially in response to cross-border terrorism and provocations.