IAF Targets Karachi’s Malir Cantt in Op Sindoor

In a striking revelation, Air Marshal A.K. Bharti, Director-General of Operations of the Indian Air Force (IAF), confirmed on Sunday evening that the IAF carried out high-precision airstrikes on multiple key Pakistani military sites, including Karachi’s Malir Cantonment, as part of Operation Sindoor — India’s robust military response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.

Strategic Strike on Malir Cantonment

Malir Cantonment, a fortified military base roughly 35 km from Karachi, was one of the significant targets in the Indian air assault. According to senior IAF officials, the cantonment housed a surface-to-air missile battery that posed a serious threat to Indian aerial operations. The missile site, suspected to include Chinese-origin HQ-9 systems, was successfully neutralized, reportedly by Israeli-origin HARPY loitering munitions.

Expanded Target List: Lahore and Gujranwala Radar Sites Hit

In addition to the Karachi strike, the IAF also destroyed radar and surveillance infrastructure near Lahore and Gujranwala in Pakistan’s Punjab province. These installations were seen as key nodes in Pakistan’s integrated air defence system and were eliminated to blind radar coverage ahead of deeper strikes into enemy territory.

Indian Navy Maintains Strategic Pressure

Meanwhile, Vice Admiral A.N. Pramod revealed that the Indian Navy maintained a strong deterrent posture just outside Karachi harbour. Carrier battle groups, nuclear and diesel submarines, and maritime aircraft were deployed in readiness for offensive action. Pakistani naval vessels reportedly remained docked or close to shore under the threat of Indian naval firepower.

“We were prepared to strike at land and sea targets at any moment,” said Vice Admiral Pramod. “Our readiness forced the adversary’s naval and air assets into a defensive crouch for the duration of the operation.”

Operation Sindoor: A 25-Minute Precision Offensive

Operation Sindoor, executed in the early hours of May 7, was a carefully planned 25-minute air campaign targeting nine terror training camps — four in Pakistan and five in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had earlier confirmed over 100 terrorists were killed in the strikes, which also dismantled logistics and infrastructure supporting cross-border terror.

Pakistan’s Military Retaliation and Indian Countermeasures

Following India's offensive, Pakistan launched a barrage of drone and missile strikes targeting Indian military installations across Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan. Air raid sirens blared across cities like Chandigarh and Jaisalmer as the Indian Air Defence system intercepted multiple incoming threats.

Indian retaliation was swift. The IAF struck Pakistani airbases at Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, and Rahim Yar Khan. Additional strikes were confirmed on Sagodha and Bholari — known operational hubs for Pakistani F-16s and JF-17s. According to the IAF, nearly 20% of Pakistan’s air combat infrastructure was rendered inoperable during the three-day exchange.

Civilian Impact and Fighter Losses

Both nations reported casualties and damages among civilians. India reported three civilians injured in Punjab’s Ferozepur and one official killed in J&K’s Rajouri in Pakistani drone attacks. Fighter aircraft from both sides were lost — India confirmed the downing of a Pakistani F-16 and a JF-17, while rejecting Pakistani claims of hitting a French-made Rafale.

Ceasefire and Strategic Warning

The fierce hostilities ended with a US-brokered ceasefire after nearly 100 hours of intense conflict. Although Pakistan violated the ceasefire within hours of the agreement, no major escalations have occurred since. India has issued a stern warning: any further violation will trigger immediate and forceful retaliation.

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has empowered forward bases along the western border with autonomy to respond instantly to any breach of the ceasefire.