New Delhi: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan pointed out that Pakistan escalated the confrontation with India by launching a series of attacks on the night of May 10. This was three days after Indian armed forces carried out ‘Operation Sindoor’ while hitting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Addressing an audience at the Savitribai Phule Pune University on Tuesday, the CDS said: “On the 10th of May, at about 1 am, their (Pakistan) aim was to get India to its knees in 48 hours. Multiple attacks were launched and in some manner, they have escalated this conflict, which we had actually hit only terror targets.” He added that the operations, “which Pakistan thought would continue for 48 hours, folded up in about eight hours”.
On May 10, following a barrage of late-night attacks by Pakistan, India gave a strong response by intercepting the offensive. New Delhi launched retaliatory strikes on key airbases, including Nur Khan, Murid, and Rafiqui, across the border.
In the wake of the attacks and mounting tensions, Pakistan’s DGMO got in touch with his Indian counterpart via the hotline, voicing Islamabad’s willingness to engage in talks.
“Pakistan’s decision to talk to India on May 10 stemmed from realisation that it will suffer more if its operation continues. When request for talks and de-escalation came from Pakistan, we accepted it,” said Gen Chauhan.
It is to be noted that on May 9-10 night, Pakistan escalated and increased its attacks across the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB). In a statement, the Defence Ministry and External Affairs Ministry said Pakistan launched attacks across 26 locations from Srinagar, J&K to Naliya, Gujarat.
The attacks also struck IAF stations in Udhampur, Pathankot, Adampur, and Bhuj. In addition, Pakistan targeted medical facilities and schools located at IAF bases in Srinagar, Udhampur, and Awantipora.
On May 10 at 1:40 am, Pakistan launched a high-speed missile attack to target airbases in India’s Punjab. Most of the attacks launched by Pakistan were foiled by the Indian armed forces.
Following the escalation, India conducted precision attacks on Pakistani military bases, command centres, and weapons sites. The air bases struck included Rafiqui, Murid, Nur Khan, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, and Chunian.
