Pakistan launched a military operation early Saturday morning to counter Indian aggression against its territory and military installations, codenamed “Operation Solid Structure,” targeting Indian military installations.
Pakistani television reported that the operation, dubbed “Operation Solid Structure,” destroyed a BrahMos missile storage site in Beas and the Pathankot and Udhampur air bases in India.
CNN, meanwhile, quoted an Indian official as saying that India was currently responding to the Pakistani attacks “appropriately.”
The New York Times also quoted Indian military officials as saying that the Pakistani army had attempted air incursions into 36 locations and used between 300 and 400 drones to test India’s air defenses.
Indian media reported that six explosions occurred in the Indian-controlled city of Srinagar in Kashmir.
Reuters also reported that several explosions occurred in the cities of Amritsar and Jammu. According to the same agency, Indian air defenses intercepted objects during a power outage following the explosions in Jammu.
Developments accelerated after the Pakistani military said last night that India had fired missiles at three of its air bases, noting that a number of missiles had fallen within Indian territory. The military added that air force assets “remain safe for now.”
A Pakistani military spokesman said in a surprise statement broadcast on state television late Friday night, “I would like to inform you of the shocking news that India has fired six ballistic missiles from Udhampur, one of which landed in Udhampur and the remaining five landed in the Amritsar district of Punjab, India.”
In another statement, the Pakistani military said that “India continued its blatant aggression by firing missiles at important Pakistani military centers,” indicating that air defenses intercepted most of these missiles, and that those that were not intercepted failed to reach their targets.
He added, “India must prepare for our response, and our forces are ready to defend its territory, airspace, and national security.” For its part, the Pakistan Airports Authority announced that the country’s airspace would remain closed to all flights from 3:15 a.m. Saturday until 12:00 p.m. local time.
Earlier on Friday, Pakistan announced that it had shot down 77 Israeli-made attack drones operated by India, accusing New Delhi of targeting civilian areas.
India closed 24 airports, and local media reported that the suspension of air traffic would continue until next week.
