Indian Military confirms Operation Bunyan Marsoos, interested in de-escalation

NEW DELHI: In a joint press conference held on Saturday, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Ministry of Defence (MOD) confirmed Pakistan’s Operation Bunyan Marsoos, claiming that Pakistan attempted air intrusions at 26 locations. Despite initiating attacks on airbases in Pakistan early Saturday morning, the Indian military claimed they are committed to non-escalation if it is reciprocated by the Pakistan military. 

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi were present during the press conference. It was conveyed that among the targetted locations, which Pakistan reported included seven military sites, India confirmed an attack on an airbase stationed in Punjab, likely Pathankot Airfield. The Indian military stated that only ‘limited’ damage was sustained to personnel and equipment at some Indian military bases. 

In response to the attack, the Indian military has stated that they have caused damage to the Pakistan army by targeting technical infrastructure, command centres, radar systems and weapon storage areas. They added that the claim that Indian missiles hit Afghanistan are false. 

India claimed that Pakistan is attempting a misinformation campaign and that the strikes did not destroy Indian missile systems, nor airfields at Surat and Sirsa.

The Indian military also claimed that Pakistan is increasing its deployment of troops on the border. Additionally, they alleged that Pakistan targeted medical and educational facilities in Indian Occupied Kashmir. Pakistan has vehemently denied the claims and maintains only military installations were targetted with precision.

Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar also told United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio thht India’s approach has always been measured and responsible. Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also spoke with Rubio earlier today, telling him that “the ball is in India’s court when it comes to de-escalation of security situation.”

Also read: Operation Bunyan Marsoos: Indian airbases, BrahMos site hit