Indian air operations are currently underway inside Pakistan, a senior Indian military source has confirmed to Reuters, marking a dangerous escalation in hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
The revelation comes amid a wave of tit-for-tat strikes that began earlier this week following India’s precision airstrikes on what it called “militant hideouts” in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir in retaliation for a deadly April terror attack.
“Operation Sindoor” Enters Phase 3
India’s Defence Ministry is expected to hold a press briefing at 5:45 AM IST at South Block, where more details are anticipated regarding “Operation Sindoor – Phase 3”, which sources claim has targeted three Pakistan Air Force bases in the last several hours.
Loud explosions have been reported in Amritsar and Jammu, according to Reuters correspondents on the ground, while Pakistani military officials say their own operations are also underway.
Pakistan Launches “Operation Bunyan ul Marsoos”
A Pakistani government official told Reuters that “Operation Bunyan ul Marsoos” has commenced, with strikes aimed at multiple Indian military targets, including the BrahMos missile storage site in Beas, and airbases in Pathankot and Udhampur.
The Pakistani military claims to have hit Indian airfields in Pathankot and Udhampur, while blasts have been heard in Udhampur district. Pakistani media has confirmed that retaliatory operations have begun in full.
Airspace Chaos and Global Impact
As the conflict intensifies, Pakistan has issued a NOTAM, closing its entire airspace to all traffic. India has suspended civilian operations at multiple northern airports, including Amritsar, Srinagar, and Leh.
Global airlines are cancelling and rerouting flights to avoid Indian and Pakistani airspace, and aviation regulators are urging extreme caution for overflights in the region.
International Reactions Expected
With both nations confirming active military air campaigns, this marks one of the most volatile moments in the region in recent history. The UN Security Council is expected to hold an emergency meeting, and the United States, UK, and China have reportedly called for immediate de-escalation.
