Top Brass Detail Pakistan Strikes, Show Wreckage

India on Monday confirmed that all military systems and bases remain fully operational and prepared to execute any mission, if necessary. The announcement was made during a press briefing in New Delhi, where senior officials from the Army, Navy, and Air Force disclosed comprehensive information about Operation Sindoor — a military action launched earlier this month.

Director General of Air Operations, Air Marshal AK Bharti, said the operation was launched on May 7 in response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The mission specifically targeted nine terrorist infrastructure sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK). 

According to Bharti, the operation was conducted with precision to limit damage to both civilian and general military infrastructure, despite the Pakistani military’s intervention.

“Our fight was against terror infrastructure and terrorists, but the Pakistan military chose to support terrorists and widened the conflict,” Bharti said, underlining that Indian actions were aimed solely at neutralising terrorist threats.

He emphasised the effectiveness of India's air defence systems during the conflict. The Integrated Air Command and Control System was instrumental in repelling Pakistani attempts to attack Indian installations, and indigenous weaponry such as the Akash missile system demonstrated significant capability. 

“Another highlight was the stellar performance of indigenous air defence weapons like the Akash system,” he stated.

Air Marshal Bharti confirmed that a Pakistani Mirage fighter jet was shot down during Operation Sindoor, with its wreckage displayed in a video presented by the Indian Army. He also pointed out that retaliatory strikes included key installations and aircraft following Pakistan’s drone attacks on Indian territory.

In addition to the Mirage debris, Indian military officials showcased fragments of a PL-15 air-to-air missile, which is of Chinese origin and was reportedly used by Pakistan during the conflict. Also displayed were the remains of YIHA and Songar drones, also of Chinese origin, which were downed by Indian defences.

Responding to speculation circulating on social media that India had targeted Pakistan's nuclear infrastructure, particularly the Kirana Hills area, Air Marshal Bharti said: “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.”

The Kirana Hills, located in the Sargodha district of Pakistan’s Punjab province, is a rocky mountain range overseen by Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence. Often called the 'Black Mountains' due to their brownish hue, the hills stretch between the township of Rabwah and the city of Sargodha.

Bharti presented a map marking the specific sites targeted during the operation. “We have targeted the length and breadth of the adversary. I'm sure most of you would have already seen the effects of these strikes on ground courtesy the large number of photographs and videos being circulated in the media,” he said.

Among the confirmed strike locations were Pakistan’s Nur Khan and Rahimyar Khan air bases. “This is a strike on the Nur Khan air base. I'm sure most of you have seen the video. I have also picked it up from your sources (smiles). We struck Rahimyar Khan air base. You can see the huge crater left on the runway,” Bharti added.

General Bharti also reiterated India’s position regarding the Pakistani military’s involvement. “We had a detailed brief on the successful joint operations to destroy the terror operation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Pakistan itself... We reiterated that our fight was with terrorists and their support infrastructure and not with the Pakistani military. However, it is a pity that the Pakistani military chose to intervene and back the terrorists, which compelled us to respond, and whatever loss they suffered, it was their own responsibility.”

At the same briefing, Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai addressed the changing dynamics of terrorism in the region. “In the last few years, the character of terrorist activities have changed. Innocent civilians were being attacked... ‘Pahalgam tak paap ka ye ghada bhar chuka tha’,” he said.

General Ghai also stressed the resilience and complexity of India’s defence grid. “Targeting our airfields and logistics is way too tough. I saw that Virat Kohli has just retired from test cricket; he is one of my favourites. In the 1970s, during the Ashes between Australia and England, two Australian bowlers destroyed the batting lineup of England, and then Australia gave a proverb — 'Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, if Thommo don't get ya, Lillee must'. If you see the layers, you'll understand what I am trying to say. Even if you crossed all the layers, one of the layers of this grid system will hit you.”

Earlier in the day, the Indian Army reported that the previous night had remained calm in Jammu and Kashmir and across the International Border. “The night remained largely peaceful across Jammu and Kashmir and other areas along the International Border,” the Army stated. 

“No incidents have been reported, marking the first calm night in recent days.”

On Saturday, India and Pakistan announced an agreement to cease all military actions across land, air, and sea, effective from 5 pm that day. Despite the ceasefire, India clarified that all responses following the launch of Operation Sindoor were part of the same campaign and were directed solely at terrorist elements.

Reiterating India’s position, Air Marshal Bharti concluded, “Our fight was with terrorists and their support infrastructure and not with Pakistan military. However, it is a pity that the Pakistani military chose to intervene and that too for terrorists, and hence we chose to respond.”

(With inputs from agencies) 

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