The terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, marked one of the bloodiest incidents in Jammu and Kashmir in recent years. With 26 civilians—most of them Hindu tourists—losing their lives, the outrage was palpable across India. It was not just another statistic in the long list of terror attacks allegedly backed by Pakistan-based groups. It became the final straw. Intelligence agencies traced the attack to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a proscribed terrorist outfit that has, for decades, found safe haven across the border. What followed was India’s boldest counter-offensive in recent military history—Operation Sindoor.

Also Read: Kirana Hills 2.0? : Did India Hit Underground Facility of Murid Air Base?

Operation Sindoor was not a symbolic response. It was a sweeping military campaign aimed at decapitating the terror infrastructure deeply embedded within Pakistan’s borders. Over the course of the operation, India struck multiple high-value targets, including multiple airbases, several militant hideouts, and weapons storage sites. These strikes reportedly resulted in the deaths of numerous Pakistani military personnel and over hundred of terrorists, along with the destruction of critical equipment.

Among the most significant and potentially world-altering elements of Operation Sindoor, however, is the unconfirmed but widely circulated claim that India targeted and possibly destroyed Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal housed near the Kirana Hills, close to the Mushaf (previously Mushraf) Airbase in Sargodha and at the Nur Khan Airbase in Islamabad.

The Strategic Significance of Kirana Hills As Nuclear Site

The Kirana Hills hold historical and strategic significance for Pakistan. It was at this very location that Pakistan is believed to have conducted its first subcritical nuclear tests in the early 1980s—codenamed Kirana-I. The hills have long been rumored to contain underground bunkers and storage facilities where nuclear warheads and related equipment are kept. Given the importance of these hills to Pakistan’s nuclear doctrine, any attack on the site would not just be a tactical victory—it would be a strategic earthquake.

Recent satellite imagery, video leaks from local Pakistani civilians, and intercepted military communications suggest that India may have launched precision strikes on the Kirana Hills region, causing considerable damage. While the Indian government has maintained strategic ambiguity, refraining from confirming or denying the strike, Pakistan’s visibly shaken response paints a telling picture.

Significance of Nur Khan As Nuclear Site

Nur Khan Air Base, located near Islamabad in Chaklala, is a critical component of Pakistan’s military infrastructure, serving not only as an air mobility hub but also as a pivotal site in the country’s nuclear command-and-control system. Its proximity to the headquarters of the Strategic Plans Division (SPD), the body responsible for Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal, amplifies its significance in the nuclear deterrence framework. The base plays an essential role in ensuring secure communication between the nation’s nuclear decision-makers and delivery systems, integrated within the National Command Authority (NCA) network.

It is equipped with advanced systems, such as the Saab 2000 Erieye, enhancing early threat detection and command responsiveness. Additionally, Nur Khan houses key strategic air assets like the C-130 Hercules and IL-78 aerial refuelers, which are vital for the nuclear triad and long-range operations. As the principal air mobility center, it facilitates the movement of high-ranking military and government officials, ensuring the rapid relocation or coordination of leadership during times of crisis. Given its centrality to nuclear decision-making, the base is a prime target in any conflict, where an attack on it would undermine Pakistan’s nuclear readiness and strategic stability.

Pakistan’s Silence and Stammering Diplomacy

Following the retaliation on May 10, there has been a notable shift in Pakistan’s posture. The usual fiery rhetoric was replaced with quiet diplomacy, backed by the urgent involvement of the United States, which brokered a temporary cessation of hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his national address, offered denials laced with vague references to national sovereignty and territorial integrity. For a country known for showcasing its nuclear arsenal as a deterrent, the deafening silence over potential damage to its most critical nuclear facilities is, in itself, revealing.

India’s Official Response on Kirana Hills

Also Read: Air Marshal AK Bharti Gives Clarification on Attack of Kirana Hills Nuclear Facilities

In a recent present conference of DGMOs on May 12, addressing the media, Air Marshal A.K. Bharti explained that the operation was carefully calibrated to strike only terror-linked facilities, ensuring that no Pakistani military or nuclear installations were targeted. When pressed on the potential risk of escalation, Bharti remarked, “Thank you for telling us that Kirana Hills houses some nuclear installation, we did not know about it. We have not hit Kirana Hills, whatever is there. “ His response highlighted India’s deliberate effort to avoid any misinterpretation or targeting of sensitive Pakistani infrastructure.

It still remains uncertain, given the proves that have already circulated in the media that India has not striked Kirana Hills.

A Game-Changer in South Asia?

If reports are indeed accurate, and India has neutralized Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities, it would mark an unprecedented shift in the regional balance of power. It would signal not just military superiority, but intelligence dominance and technological precision. It would also drastically alter the deterrence equation that has kept full-scale war at bay since both nations became nuclear powers.

The strike, if true, also represents a watershed moment in India’s counter-terror doctrine. For decades, India has shown restraint despite repeated provocations. Surgical strikes, airstrikes, and border skirmishes have had limited success in stopping terror activities. A move as bold as targeting a nuclear site sends a clear message—not just to Pakistan, but to any state that dares to use terror as an instrument of foreign policy.

The Risks and Global Implications

There is no doubt that attacking a nuclear site—even one used as a storage facility—carries enormous risks. Any miscalculation could have triggered a catastrophic fallout, both diplomatically and environmentally. The fact that India was willing to consider such a high-stakes action (if indeed it did) indicates how intolerable the status quo had become.

The international community—especially countries like China, Russia, and the United States—will now have to recalibrate their equations with both nations. For the U.S., this incident reaffirms India’s emergence as a resolute power willing to go beyond traditional diplomatic channels to protect its citizens and interests.

The Future of Deterrence

With Pakistan reeling from the losses and under pressure to de-escalate, there may be a rare window of opportunity for real talks. The mutual ceasefire agreement brokered with U.S. assistance offers a short-term pause, but lasting peace will require Pakistan to dismantle its terror infrastructure, stop using proxies, and acknowledge the cost of escalation.

India, on the other hand, has showcased a new strategic doctrine—one that is assertive, unambiguous, and capable of targeting even the most “untouchable” assets of its adversaries.

A Message to the World

Whether or not India destroyed Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal, the psychological impact of the strikes—real or perceived—is already being felt. India’s Operation Sindoor was not just a retaliation. It was a strategic communication, a line drawn in fire, stating that terrorism will no longer be tolerated, and that those who shelter it will not be spared, no matter how deeply buried behind layers of military and nuclear deterrence.

In the new geopolitical reality of South Asia, ambiguity may be India’s greatest weapon, and silence may be Pakistan’s loudest confession.

A wave of sorrow and silent pride has engulfed the village of Mehradasi in Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu district, as the nation mourns the loss of Sergeant Surendra Kumar Moga (36), who was killed in action during heightened tensions in Udhampur.

Originally stationed in Bengaluru with the 36 Wing of the Indian Air Force, Sergeant Moga was called to Udhampur just four days ago in response to escalating hostilities along the Indo-Pak border. A trained medical assistant, his commitment to duty cost him his life in what officials have confirmed was a result of enemy action during ongoing military operations.

The soldier leaves behind a grieving wife Seema, two young children—11-year-old Vartika and 7-year-old Daksh—and a family still coming to terms with the magnitude of the loss. Tragically, his mother, Nanu Devi (65), has not yet been informed due to her age and fragile health. The sorrow was compounded when Seema, already reeling from the recent loss of her grandfather, collapsed from the shock of her husband’s death and had to be hospitalized.

Sergeant Surendra had served the Indian Air Force for 15 years, following in the footsteps of his late father who had served in the CRPF. His dream of a quiet retirement in two years and a new life in the house he recently built in Mehradasi will now remain unfulfilled. “He was eagerly looking forward to the housewarming,” said Sarpanch Omprakash, fighting back tears. “Now the house stands silent, waiting for a hero who will never return.”

The news of his martyrdom sent ripples through the village. Local leaders including District Collector Ramavatar Meena and Superintendent of Police Sharad Chaudhary visited the bereaved family to offer their condolences. Brigadier (Retd) VS Rathore, Director of the Sainik Kalyan Vibhag, confirmed the martyrdom and stated that the soldier’s mortal remains would reach the village by Sunday morning.

As villagers prepare for the solemn arrival of the fallen hero, the streets of Mehradasi are being readied for a state funeral—a tribute befitting a man remembered as both a devoted soldier and a gentle family man. The funeral will mark not just the end of a life, but also the beginning of a legacy of sacrifice, courage, and honour.

“He lived like a hero and died like one,” said former Sarpanch Sajjan Poonia. The entire region now stands united in mourning—and in pride—as India honours one more braveheart who gave his all for the nation.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has confirmed the successful execution of key objectives under Operation Sindoor, a military response to the deadly April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. In an official statement issued at 07:01 UTC, the IAF announced that the operation remains ongoing and emphasized the importance of public restraint regarding speculation or unverified information.

Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, 2025, was initiated following the attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians, primarily Hindu tourists. The incident, which also took the lives of a Christian visitor and a local Muslim resident, has drawn widespread condemnation both nationally and internationally. Security agencies have since identified three individuals allegedly linked to the assault, including Lashkar-e-Taiba leader Hafeez Saeed and his deputy Saifullah Kasuri, both reportedly based in Pakistan. A third suspect, Hashim Moosa, is believed to be hiding in south Kashmir.

According to a report, on May 8 India launched strikes on nine terror sites located within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in a calibrated response. These operations have led to heightened military activity along the Line of Control (LoC), with Pakistan violating the ceasefire agreement by initiating unprovoked shelling. As of May 11, India Today reported at least 12 civilian casualties in Kashmir due to the renewed hostilities.

In its official communication, the IAF described the mission as being executed in a “deliberate and discreet manner,” prioritizing national security while avoiding unnecessary disclosure. The force assured that a comprehensive briefing on the operation will follow in due course and appealed to the public and media to exercise caution in circulating unverified reports.

Amid growing concerns over a potential escalation, civil defense protocols have been activated across India. Reports indicate mock drills, blackout exercises, and air raid sirens have been implemented in 244 districts to prepare for any retaliatory action by Pakistan.

On the diplomatic front, tensions have prompted international engagement. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has acknowledged mediation efforts by the United States, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Turkiye, and Iran. He also called for renewed dialogue over the Indus Waters Treaty. Meanwhile, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed support for a ceasefire in a conversation with India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, according to Global Times.

Domestically, the Indian government has come under scrutiny for alleged lapses in security planning. Critics, citing information from Wikipedia, argue that the early reopening of Baisaran Valley to tourists without adequate coordination with security forces may have contributed to the attack’s success. In response, an all-party meeting was convened in Delhi on May 8 to update political leaders on Operation Sindoor and the broader security situation.

With a strength of 135,000 personnel as of January 2025, the Indian Air Force remains a cornerstone of the country’s defense apparatus. The force has a history of decisive engagement, including the 1999 downing of a Pakistan Navy aircraft over Sir Creek, underscoring its operational legacy.

As developments along the India-Pakistan border continue to unfold, the IAF’s measured communication strategy reflects the complex balance between operational secrecy and public transparency. The nation remains on high alert as diplomatic and military efforts aim to contain further escalation.

In response to multiple hostile provocations from Pakistan, including drone incursions, cross-border shelling, and support to terror networks across the LoC, the Indian Armed Forces executed a precision drone strike on May 10, 2025, targeting Pakistan’s Bholari Air Base in Sindh.

According to Indian military sources, the strike was part of a coordinated operation aimed at neutralizing high-value military assets and infrastructure used for launching or coordinating hostile actions against India. The operation, executed by combat drones under Operation Sindoor-II, was designed to degrade Pakistan’s offensive capabilities without causing civilian casualties.

The Indian side has confirmed that the strike caused significant structural damage to strategic hangars and operational control facilities at Bholari, believed to house advanced radar and surveillance systems. The action followed earlier strikes on Kamra, Sargodha, and Jacobabad airbases as part of India’s multi-pronged deterrence effort.

While Pakistan has reported the death of Squadron Leader Usman Yousaf and four other PAF personnel, Indian officials have neither confirmed nor denied individual identities of those killed, emphasizing that all targets were military in nature. Some Indian intelligence reports suggest the officer’s name might be Usman Malik, but verification remains pending due to lack of independent access to the site.

This strike came just hours before Pakistan’s desperate call for a ceasefire, highlighting the effectiveness and strategic impact of India’s calibrated military pressure. While India remains committed to peace, it has made it clear that any future aggression will meet with firm and proportionate retaliation.

Indian social media echoed a sentiment of resolve, with users hailing the Armed Forces for defending national integrity and deterring cross-border aggression. No Indian casualties have been reported.

The Government of India has reiterated that all actions were taken in national self-defence and in accordance with international norms.