Why it matters:
The tit-for-tat strikes mark one of the most serious military escalations between nuclear-armed neighbors Pakistan and India in recent years. With both sides conducting missile and drone attacks, the risk of wider conflict looms large over South Asia.
The big picture:
Tensions in the region flared dramatically overnight after India reportedly launched missile attacks on three Pakistan Air Force bases, Nur Khan, Murid, and Rafiqui, at around 3:30 a.m. Pakistan’s military says most of the missiles were intercepted, with no damage to critical assets, but has responded with precision strikes deep inside Indian territory.
By Saturday morning, Pakistan had reportedly destroyed India’s BrahMos missile storage facility in Beas, as well as military targets in Udhampur, Pathankot, and Adampur.
Cyberattacks also followed, taking down several high-profile Indian government and defense-related websites.
What they're saying:
Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR):
"India is pushing the whole region toward a dangerous war with its madness, aggression, and deceit."
"The majority of Indian missiles were intercepted... the few that sneaked in caused no damage to our assets."
"These blatant acts of aggression reflect growing paranoia within the Indian mindset."
Deputy PM Ishaq Dar:
“Pakistan had no choice but to retaliate. We've shown immense restraint, but there’s a limit. Today’s response was decisive and necessary.”
Senator Sherry Rehman:
"Pakistan responded with strategic precision, targeting only military objectives—unlike India’s indiscriminate attacks on civilians."
Key points:
- India struck three PAF airbases with missiles around 3:30 a.m. Saturday.
- Pakistan launched Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos in retaliation at 4:38 a.m., hitting key Indian military sites.
- The BrahMos missile storage site in Beas, airbases in Udhampur and Pathankot, and the S-400 air defense system in Adampur were reportedly destroyed.
- Pakistani drones were sighted over New Delhi as cyberattacks disrupted Indian government and military websites.
- Over 2,500 Indian surveillance systems were also reportedly hacked.
Go deeper:
Pakistan Retaliates Against Indian Drone Attacks as Tensions Soar Dramatically
Hossein Vaez
