Pakistan launches 'Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos' after Indian strikes on key airbases

Pakistan said it launched "Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos" early on Saturday, targeting several locations across the border after India's aerial strikes on some key Pakistan airbases.

Several locations in Indian-administered Kashmir and India's northwestern states were hit in the Pakistani attacks.

Explosions were heard in Jammu, Srinagar, Rajouri, Poonch and Jalandhar, according to Indian media reports.

Pakistan targeted 26 locations, Indian news agency ANI reported.

According to Pakistani media, citing military sources, Pakistan destroyed a BrahMos missile storage site in the Beas area and hit the airbases at Udhampur and Pathankot.

Pakistan earlier said that India launched missiles at its Noor Khan, Shorkot, and Murid airbases, but its air defences "neutralised" the attacks.

There were no casualties or material losses, a government statement said.

"India must now prepare for Pakistan's response," it warned, before the start of "Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos".

The latest attacks by India and Pakistan are a dangerous escalation in the already volatile military situation in South Asia.

Global concern

Global calls for ending the conflict are growing.

The G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Britain, and the US and the European Union's high representative for foreign affairs on Friday expressed concern over the India-Pakistan conflict and the threat it poses to regional stability.

"We call for immediate de-escalation and encourage both countries to engage in direct dialogue towards a peaceful outcome. We continue to monitor events closely and express our support for a swift and lasting diplomatic resolution," the G7 statement said.

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Affairs Minister of State Adel Al Jubeir was in Pakistan on Friday to discuss the regional situation, a day after his visit to New Delhi.

"The visit comes as part of the Kingdom's efforts towards de-escalation, ending ongoing military confrontations, and resolving all disputes through dialogue and diplomatic channels," the Saudi Foreign Affairs Ministry said.

- Bernama

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