Pakistan targets Pathankot and Bhuj airbases in overnight attack; India strikes back

In a coordinated offensive, Pakistan attempted intrusions at more than 26 locations across India on the night of May 9–10, targeting military installations from Jammu and Kashmir to Gujarat. Indian armed forces repelled the attacks, with key locations including Pathankot and Bhuj airbases sustaining damage. The offensive included drone intrusions, firing of long-range missiles, and the use of fighter aircraft.

According to Indian Army Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, “Pakistan targeted hospitals and school premises at air bases at Srinagar, Awantipur and Udhampur,” calling it a “condemnable and unprofessional act.” She added that Indian Air Force stations at Udhampur, Pathankot, Adampur, Bhuj and Bathinda sustained damage. Multiple personnel were injured during the assault, which also involved high-speed missiles used at around 1:40 am to strike Punjab’s airbase facilities.

On Saturday morning, a Pakistani drone was intercepted near the Pathankot Air Force Station by India's aerial defence systems. While the model of the drone has not been confirmed, Indian forces suspect Pakistan has been using Turkish-made Songar drones, manufactured by ASISGARD. Bhuj was among the airbases that came under fire during the overnight offensive, facing attacks from both aerial weapons and ground-based systems.

In response, Indian armed forces launched Operation Sindoor and carried out precision strikes on six Pakistani airbases. Targets included Murid, Rafiqui, Nur Khan (Chaklala), Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur (Bholari), and Chunian. “Pakistan military bases at Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur and Chunian were targeted through air launch, precision ammunition and fighter jets,” said Colonel Qureshi. Additional strikes were carried out on a radar site in Pasrur and an aviation base in Sialkot.

Following the attacks, the Airports Authority of India suspended all civil flight operations at 32 airports, including Pathankot, Bhuj, Srinagar, Amritsar, and Jaisalmer, until the morning of May 15. Twenty-five air traffic service route segments under Delhi and Mumbai FIRs have also been closed. NSA Ajit Doval is currently holding strategic meetings with the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister. Meanwhile, the US has restricted the movement of its personnel inside Pakistan and reiterated its existing travel advisories for the region.