New Delhi:
A series of powerful explosions rocked several Pakistani air bases early Saturday, including a critical facility near Islamabad, leading to the closure of the country’s airspace to civilian and commercial traffic. Additionally, multiple explosions were reported in Srinagar following India’s defense against Pakistani drone attacks.
Pakistani military officials stated that the blasts occurred at three air force installations, with the Nur Khan Air Base in Rawalpindi being among the targeted sites. This base, situated near Islamabad and the country’s military headquarters, suffered significant damage.
Various videos circulating on Pakistani and social media platforms show the Nur Khan Air Base engulfed in flames after a massive explosion. However, the authenticity of these videos could not be independently verified by NDTV. Eyewitnesses described hearing loud explosions followed by heightened military activity in the area.
The Nur Khan Air Base, previously known as Chaklala Air Base, is a highly sensitive military compound in Pakistan, housing air force operations and VIP transport units.
In addition to the Nur Khan air base, the Murid air base in Chakwal city and Rafiqui air base in the Jhang district of Punjab province were also reportedly targeted, according to Pakistani military sources.
Following the events, Pakistan suspended all air traffic in its airspace, a decision made amidst escalating tensions between the two neighboring nuclear-armed countries. This move came after India accused Pakistan of using commercial flights as cover during drone attacks.
The night prior saw intense drone activities along India’s northern and western borders, with Pakistan launching multiple drone attacks on military infrastructure across 26 locations. However, India successfully defended against these attacks, prompting accusations from Indian officials that Pakistan was endangering international air traffic by carrying out operations while keeping its airspace open.
Pakistan allegedly deployed hundreds of drones, primarily identified as Turkish-made Asisguard Songar models, during the attacks. Indian defense systems, including missile defense platforms like Barak-8 and S-400 Triumph, Akash SAMs, and indigenous anti-drone technologies, intercepted many of the drones.
