New Delhi: India had planned a strike on Pakistan’s Skardu airbase during Operation Sindoor, but deteriorating weather conditions forced the Indian Air Force to abandon the mission at the last moment, former Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan has revealed.
Speaking at an event in New Delhi, Chauhan said the IAF had received approval to target Skardu after Sargodha was identified as an objective. However, poor weather around Skardu made the operation difficult, prompting the forces to switch to another target, Bholari.
Skardu, officially known as PAF Base Qadri, is a strategically important Pakistan Air Force facility near Skardu in Gilgit Baltistan.
The subsequent strike on Bholari emerged as one of the most prominent operations of the May 10 air campaign. The IAF attack targeted a hangar at the base, with satellite imagery showing extensive damage to the structure. A large breach was visible across the roof, while debris appeared scattered around the area adjoining the runway, indicating the force of the strike.
Chauhan also shed light on the previously unexplained incident involving Kirana Hills, a strategically significant area located close to Sargodha. He clarified that India had not deliberately selected Kirana Hills as a target.
According to Chauhan, Indian loitering munitions had been deployed around Sargodha to search for Pakistani radar systems. These weapons are designed to remain airborne for a limited period while searching for designated targets.
Kirana Hills is around 10 km north of Sargodha. Chauhan explained that one of the loitering munitions apparently failed to locate its intended radar target before reaching the end of its operational endurance and subsequently struck the hills.
The explanation also clarified earlier statements that India had not intentionally targeted the sensitive Kirana Hills area during Operation Sindoor.
