India Targets Pakistan's Murid Air Base, Inflicting Significant Damage in Retaliatory Strike. Satellite imagery reveals a 3-meter-wide crater and extensive structural damage.
Murid Air Base: Amidst recent military tensions between India and Pakistan, India launched retaliatory strikes against 11 Pakistani air bases. Murid Air Base, considered one of Pakistan's most secure air bases, sustained considerable damage. This damage is evidenced by high-resolution satellite imagery recently released by intelligence researcher Damien Simon. Let's delve into the details of the damage inflicted on the airbase and other significant aspects of this event.
Military Tensions Between India and Pakistan
Escalating military tensions along the India-Pakistan border over the past few months have kept both countries' security agencies on high alert. The Pahalgam terror attack further exacerbated tensions. Subsequent retaliatory action by India under Operation Sindoor prompted a failed Pakistani attempt at an air strike on Indian territory.
India responded with a significant strike targeting 11 Pakistani air bases. The attack on Murid Air Base drew particular attention due to its reputation as Pakistan's most secure airbase.
Murid Air Base: A Key and Secure Pakistani Air Base
Located in Chakwal District, Punjab province, Pakistan, Murid Air Base is approximately 150 kilometers from the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. It is considered crucial to the Pakistani military. Its security features include a double boundary, numerous surveillance towers, and stringent access controls.
The airbase serves not only as a hub for aircraft operations but also for the storage of troops and military equipment. From a security standpoint, it was believed to be resistant to bombing and attacks.
Satellite Imagery Reveals Extent of Damage
Intelligence researcher Damien Simon used high-resolution satellite images from April 16th and May 10th to highlight the damage inflicted by the Indian attack. The April 16th image shows the airbase buildings intact and undamaged, while the May 10th image clearly shows a collapsed section of the roof and significant damage to exterior walls.
The report indicates the creation of a roughly 3-meter-wide crater approximately 30 meters inside the airbase, indicating the force of the strike. Structural damage is also evident near the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) hangar. These images confirm that the Indian strike weakened this supposedly impregnable Pakistani airbase.
Significance of the Attack
According to Damien Simon, the attack struck the most secure part of Murid Air Base, typically protected from bombing and attacks due to its double security boundary, surveillance towers, and tight security. It also houses an operational shelter designed for specialized equipment and personnel.
Military Significance of India's Strike
This Indian action is considered a significant military success. It not only weakens Pakistan's military infrastructure but also sends a b message regarding deterring further aggression.
A ceasefire currently holds between the two nations following the attack, but tensions remain. India demonstrated its capacity for swift and impactful retaliatory action.
Pakistan's Response and Current Situation
The Pakistani government and military have yet to officially confirm the attack, but international security experts and intelligence agencies are taking the incident seriously.
Tensions are high in Pakistan, with increased security measures. Meanwhile, India views the attack as a powerful response.
