Key Points
- Pakistan initiates Operation Bunyan ul Marsoos, named after a Quranic verse meaning “solid wall of lead,” in response to India’s Operation Sindoor.
- India’s Operation Sindoor destroyed nine Pakistani bases, including deep strikes in Punjab province.
- Pakistan claims attacks on Indian bases, but India successfully foils all drone and missile strikes, neutralizing over 50 drones in a single night.
- Both nations have closed major airports and airspace amid escalating hostilities.
- Explosions reported at Pakistani airbases and in Indian cities; civilian areas in Punjab, Rajasthan, and Haryana targeted but defended.
New Delhi: Tensions between India and Pakistan have reached a boiling point following a series of major military operations and cross-border attacks. After India’s precision airstrikes under Operation Sindoor on May 7-which targeted and destroyed nine terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir-Pakistan launched its own retaliatory campaign, codenamed Operation Bunyan ul Marsoos.
What is Operation Bunyan ul Marsoos?
Operation Bunyan ul Marsoos, a name drawn from a Quranic verse, translates to “solid wall of lead” or “unbreakable wall.” The phrase is meant to symbolize unity, strength, and discipline within the Pakistani military, projecting an image of an impregnable defensive and offensive posture. However, the irony is stark: even as Pakistan announced this operation, Indian forces had already struck three of its key airbases, including Nur Khan (Rawalpindi), Murid (Chakwal), and Shorkot (Punjab), shattering the supposed “firm foundation” of the campaign.
Pakistan’s Claims vs. Ground Reality
Pakistan claims to have targeted Indian airbases at Pathankot, Udhampur, and Srinagar under Operation Bunyan ul Marsoos, but these assertions remain unverified by Indian authorities. According to Pakistani sources, their strikes focused on military targets, with some reports alleging the destruction of missile storage facilities and air defense systems. However, Indian defenses successfully intercepted and neutralized these attacks, with no significant damage reported on Indian soil.
Massive Drone and Missile Attacks Repelled
On the night of May 8–9, Pakistan launched a coordinated assault involving hundreds of drones and missiles targeting over 30 locations across India, including civilian areas in Punjab, Rajasthan, and Haryana. The Indian Army and Air Defense units responded robustly, shooting down more than 50 drones in Jammu & Kashmir alone and foiling all attempts to breach Indian airspace. Explosions and blackouts were reported in cities like Srinagar, while Indian forces maintained control and prevented civilian casualties.
Airspace Closures and Civilian Disruptions
In the wake of these attacks, both countries have imposed sweeping airspace restrictions. Pakistan closed its airspace to all flights from 3:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on May 10, following explosions near key airbases in Rawalpindi and Lahore. India, meanwhile, has suspended operations at 32 airports in the north and west, including Srinagar and Amritsar, until May 14 for security reasons.
Escalation Rooted in Pahalgam Attack
This latest cycle of violence began after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians. India’s response, Operation Sindoor, marked the first time since 1971 that Indian forces struck deep inside Pakistan’s Punjab province, signaling a major escalation and a new phase in the conflict.
Timeline of Escalation
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| April 22 | Terror attack in Pahalgam, J&K kills 26 civilians |
| May 7 | India launches Operation Sindoor, destroys nine terror bases in Pakistan/PoK |
| May 8–9 | Pakistan launches Operation Bunyan ul Marsoos, targets Indian military/civilian sites |
| May 9–10 | India repels drone and missile attacks, strikes Pakistani airbases |
| May 10 | Both nations close major airports and airspace amid ongoing hostilities |
The situation remains highly volatile, with both sides on high alert and international observers urging restraint. Despite Pakistan’s aggressive rhetoric and religious symbolism, India’s robust defense and retaliatory measures have so far blunted the impact of Operation Bunyan ul Marsoos.
