After months of speculation and denials, Pakistan has publicly acknowledged that India’s strategic strikes during “Operation Sindoor” in May caused significant damage. This admission sheds new light on the events that followed a brutal terror attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, where 26 civilians were killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists, prompting India’s swift retaliation.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, recently confirmed that Indian drones struck the Nur Khan Air Base in Rawalpindi – a key military installation. Speaking at a year-end briefing, Dar stated the attack damaged the base and injured personnel. He claimed 80 drones crossed the border, with 79 intercepted, but one successfully hit its target. He even suggested India “made a mistake” by attacking the base.
However, retired Indian Army Lt Gen KJS Dhillon quickly challenged Pakistan’s narrative of “minor damage.” Dhillon highlighted reports from Pakistan’s own media, citing a list of 138 individuals posthumously awarded gallantry honours for Operation Sindoor, hinting at far higher casualties than officially acknowledged. Furthermore, civilian videos reportedly showed the Nur Khan base engulfed in flames, suggesting extensive destruction across the 11 targeted air bases.
This isn’t the first time hints of the damage have surfaced. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif himself confirmed the Nur Khan attack back in May, and his adviser later admitted concerns over missile warheads. Satellite images from May also reportedly revealed widespread damage to several Pakistani air bases.
Pakistan’s official acknowledgment finally provides a clearer picture of Operation Sindoor’s scale and impact, confirming the effectiveness of India’s precision strikes and revealing a deeper truth about the tense events that unfolded months ago.
