New Delhi: In a significant escalation, India reportedly launched missile strikes early Saturday morning on four airbases in Pakistan, including the Noor Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, in response to recent drone attacks targeting 26 cities across four Indian border states.
The strikes, which appear to have caught Pakistan off guard, prompted an immediate shutdown of all civilian and commercial air traffic in Pakistani airspace. Major airports in Islamabad, Lahore, Sialkot, and Rahim Yar Khan were ordered to suspend operations indefinitely.
Rawalpindi’s Noor Khan Airbase, situated less than 10 kilometers from Islamabad and in close proximity to Pakistan’s military headquarters, was reportedly hit with heavy explosions and fire. Multiple videos circulating on Pakistani news outlets and social media platforms show loud blasts, plumes of smoke, and witnesses screaming in panic, suggesting the severity of the strike.
Strategic Importance of Noor Khan Airbase:
Formerly known as Chaklala Airbase, Noor Khan is considered one of Pakistan’s most sensitive military installations. It plays a key role in air force operations and VIP transport. According to Pakistan’s military sources, the missile strikes also targeted Murid Airbase near Chakwal and Rafiqui Airbase in Punjab’s Jhang district.
The airstrikes came just hours after Pakistan was accused of using drone attacks to target Indian commercial airliners. Following these allegations and the retaliatory Indian strikes, Pakistan declared the closure of its entire airspace.
