IAF Strikes Key Targets in Pakistan Under Operation Sindoor

New Delhi – The Indian Air Force (IAF) has announced the successful execution of its assigned objectives under the ongoing Operation Sindoor, which includes precision strikes on key Pakistani airbases and terror infrastructure. In a statement released on Sunday, the IAF emphasized that its actions were carried out with “precision and professionalism” and aligned with national security goals.

“The Indian Air Force (IAF) has successfully executed its assigned tasks in Operation Sindoor, with precision and professionalism,” the IAF said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “Operations were conducted in a deliberate and discreet manner, aligned with national objectives. Since the operations are still ongoing, a detailed briefing will be conducted in due course. The IAF urges all to refrain from speculation and dissemination of unverified information.”

The announcement came a day after the Government of India confirmed that a ceasefire understanding had been reached with Pakistan, leading to a temporary pause in military action. However, shortly after this development, Pakistani drones were reportedly spotted and intercepted at multiple locations, leading to accusations of ceasefire violations by Pakistan. India’s armed forces responded with what officials called “adequate and appropriate” countermeasures.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, in a press briefing late Saturday night, confirmed that Indian forces were maintaining high alert along the International Border and Line of Control (LoC). He also stated that any further violations would be met with strong retaliation.

In one of the most significant military operations in recent years, the IAF, in coordination with the Indian Army and Navy, carried out coordinated strikes on May 7 targeting terror launchpads and air force installations across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Though the IAF has yet to release detailed information on each strike, sources confirmed that at least 11 strategic bases were neutralized in the operation.

BJP leader Amit Malviya shared the details and a map of the airbases struck, calling it a critical blow to Pakistan’s military infrastructure. Below is an overview of the targeted sites:

1. Nur Khan (Chaklala) Airbase, Rawalpindi – One of the most significant hits, this base serves as a logistical and VIP hub near Islamabad. Its destruction severely impacted Pakistan’s top-level military coordination and strategic mobility.
2. PAF Base Rafiqui, Shorkot – A major fighter base, Rafiqui housed several combat squadrons. The IAF’s strike destroyed its aircraft shelters and runway, significantly reducing Pakistan’s ability to launch counter-air operations in central Punjab.
3. Murid Airbase, Punjab – Targeting Murid disrupted Pakistan’s training operations and potentially impacted missile storage. It dealt a blow to the Pakistan Air Force’s long-term preparedness and pilot development.
4. Sukkur Airbase, Sindh – Sukkur was a key southern logistics node for troop and equipment movement. Its destruction cut off essential supply routes across Sindh and Balochistan, limiting Pakistan’s operational depth in the region.
5. Sialkot Airbase, Eastern Punjab – Located near the Indian border, Sialkot served as a forward-operating base for attacks into Jammu and Punjab. Its neutralization weakened Pakistan’s ability to project force along the eastern front.
6. Pasrur Airstrip, Punjab – Though smaller in scale, the Pasrur facility was used for aircraft dispersal and emergency operations. Destroying it reduced Pakistan’s tactical flexibility and forced a concentration of aircraft at more vulnerable bases.
7. Chunian Radar and Communications Site – Strikes on this support installation disrupted radar coverage and communications in central Punjab, creating a gap in Pakistan’s early warning and air defense systems.
8. Sargodha (Mushaf) Airbase – Arguably the most strategic strike, Sargodha is home to Pakistan’s elite Combat Commanders School and nuclear-capable aircraft. Its destruction not only crippled command and control capabilities but also delivered a symbolic blow to Pakistan’s perceived air superiority.
9. Skardu Airbase, Gilgit-Baltistan – Located near the Line of Actual Control, Skardu was key to Pakistan’s surveillance and coordination in the northern sector. Its neutralization hindered joint China-Pakistan operations and gave India a tactical advantage in the high-altitude battlefield.
10. Bholari Airbase, Near Karachi – One of Pakistan’s newer bases with dual air and naval roles, Bholari was a symbol of future southern military ambitions. Its destruction weakened Pakistan’s coastal defense coordination and left Karachi vulnerable to future strikes.
11. Jacobabad Airbase, Sindh-Balochistan – This base historically served as a rapid deployment hub, even for U.S. forces during the war on terror. Neutralizing Jacobabad disrupted internal troop mobility, severed supply chains, and compromised western air surveillance.

The Indian government has so far refrained from releasing official strike footage or detailed mission accounts, citing operational confidentiality and ongoing engagements. However, officials have reiterated that the strikes were carefully calibrated to avoid civilian casualties and infrastructure damage unrelated to military objectives.

While Operation Sindoor is still underway, military analysts view it as a strategically decisive phase in India’s evolving defense posture. By targeting both conventional airbases and terror infrastructure deep within Pakistani territory, India has signaled a new threshold in its response policy.

The IAF’s precision strikes and the tri-service coordination demonstrate India’s growing military capability to conduct high-risk, cross-border operations with tactical finesse and strategic clarity.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has reiterated its commitment to peace but warned that continued provocations from across the border will not be tolerated. As tensions remain high and surveillance continues along the LoC and International Border, the final impact of Operation Sindoor will become clearer in the coming days.