Tensions Escalate as Pakistan Accuses India of Missile Attacks on Air Bases

In a dramatic escalation of hostilities between two nuclear-armed neighbors, Pakistan has accused India of launching missile strikes on three of its air bases early Saturday morning. The alleged attacks prompted an immediate closure of Pakistani airspace and retaliatory strikes against Indian military targets, according to reports from Pakistani state media.

Alleged Indian Strikes on Pakistani Air Bases

Pakistan’s military claims that Indian missiles targeted air bases at Nur Khan (near Islamabad), Murid, and Shorkot. Lieutenant General Ahmad Sharif stated during a live broadcast that Pakistani air defense systems intercepted most of the missiles, and the few that penetrated the defenses caused no significant damage.

“India, with its naked aggression, has attacked with missiles,” Sharif said, adding that the Pakistani military had retrieved electronic signatures from the missiles, purportedly identifying their launch origins.

Nur Khan air base, located near the garrison city of Rawalpindi just 10 kilometers from the capital, is a critical military installation. Witnesses in the area reported smoke plumes and loud explosions.

Pakistan Launches Operation 'Bunyan-un-Marsoos'

In response, Pakistan reportedly initiated a military counteroperation, dubbed “Bunyan-un-Marsoos” — meaning "a firm structure." According to Pakistani state broadcaster PTV, the military launched strikes against several Indian locations, including a missile storage site and two air bases in Pathankot and Udhampur.

Residents in Indian-controlled Kashmir described a warlike atmosphere. “Our home shook and windows rattled,” said Mohammed Yasin, a resident of Srinagar. Former top police official Sheesh Paul Vaid commented, “It looks like a war here,” suggesting military bases were the intended targets.

Civilian Airspace Shut Down

The Pakistan Airports Authority announced the closure of the country’s airspace for all flights from 3:15 a.m. to 12 noon local time on May 10, citing security concerns. This rare move underscores the severity of the unfolding conflict and its potential implications on regional aviation and trade.

G7 Nations Call for Restraint

In light of the growing tensions, the Group of Seven (G7) nations issued a joint statement urging both India and Pakistan to exercise “maximum restraint.” The G7, consisting of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US, called for an immediate de-escalation and encouraged direct diplomatic engagement.

“Further military escalation poses a serious threat to regional stability,” the statement read, emphasizing the safety of civilians on both sides of the border.

Backdrop of Mounting Tensions

The current crisis stems from the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination in Indian-administered Kashmir, where 26 people were killed by suspected Islamist militants. India has accused Pakistan of harboring and supporting these militants — a charge Islamabad firmly denies.

In response, India launched “Operation Sindoor,” a series of targeted strikes across Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Pakistan allegedly retaliated with drone attacks, and the current missile exchanges represent the most serious escalation yet.

A Region on the Brink

With casualties already estimated to exceed 50 on both sides, including civilians, international concern is growing. The potential for wider conflict looms as both nations trade accusations and launch military operations.

The Indian government has yet to officially respond to Pakistan’s allegations or confirm any retaliatory action. As global powers urge calm, the situation remains volatile, with the risk of further military engagement still high.