Operation Sindoor: Loud explosions heard in Srinagar, Punjab; India launches strikes targeting at least 4 Pakistani air bases

Multiple blasts were reported in Srinagar and Pathankot, Punjab, during the early hours of Saturday as India reportedly launched precision strikes targeting at least three Pakistani air bases. In retaliation, Pakistan has closed its airspace till 12 noon and has launched 'Operation Bunyan Ul Marsoos' targeting Indian military assets, Al Jazeera reported.

 

Similarly, explosions were heard in Punjab's Pathankot during the early hours of Saturday. A blackout was enforced in Pathankot and residents were advised to stay indoors.   

 

The blasts in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab come after India launched air strikes targeting Pakistani military establishments in retaliation for Pakistani drone strikes on Friday night. Indian troops thwarted Pakistani drone strikes targeting locations in India for the second day. Pakistan launched a fresh wave of drone attacks targeting 26 locations in India—from Jammu and Kashmir to Gujarat—for the second night on Friday.

 

Blasts have been reported at multiple places in Karachi. The explosions were heard near  Shahra-e-Faisal in Karachi, where key Pakistani government offices are located, BBC Urdu reported.

 

Pakistan launched 'Operation Bunyan Marsoos' after dawn prayers on Saturday and has targeted to strike key military establishments in India. Pakistan resorted to intense shelling across the Line of Control on Saturday night. A senior Jammu and Kashmir official was killed in the shelling in Rajouri. As per reports, at least five persons were killed in shelling on Saturday night. 

 

The defence ministry advised citizens, especially those residing in border areas, to remain indoors, limit unnecessary movement, and strictly follow safety instructions issued by local authorities. 

India