Pakistan’s Fatah-II missile intercepted over Sirsa amid rising cross-border tensions

A Pakistani Fatah-II missile aimed toward New Delhi was intercepted in Haryana’s Sirsa district on May 10, according to senior Indian government sources.

This move follows Pakistan’s initiation of “Operation Bunyan ul Marsoos” after days of intensified drone activity and ceasefire violations along the Line of Control.

The Fatah-II, a surface-to-surface missile with an approximate range of 400 kilometres, posed a serious threat before being successfully neutralized mid-air. The attempted strike came as tensions escalated after Pakistan launched drone attacks across 26 locations from Jammu and Kashmir to Gujarat on the night of May 9.

Indian defence officials confirmed that despite the widespread drone offensive, vital military infrastructure — including airports and airbases — remained unharmed. However, in Ferozpur, Punjab, a few civilians were injured, marking the only reported casualties during the late-night assault. States sharing a border with Pakistan imposed a precautionary blackout as a security measure.

In a swift and calibrated response, Indian forces targeted three major Pakistani airbases: Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, Rafiqi Airbase in Punjab’s Shorkot, and Murid Airbase in Punjab’s Chakwal. Explosions were also reported in several Pakistani cities — two in Rawalpindi, and one each in Lahore and Islamabad — signaling the extent of India’s retaliatory operations.

“India used air-to-surface missiles and drones in the strikes,” Indian officials stated, highlighting that critical air assets belonging to Pakistan were disabled, with many unable to initiate operational deployment.

Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry, acknowledged the attacks on both Nur Khan and Rafiqi Airbases, confirming India's military retaliation.

“India struck Pakistani targets using air-to-surface missiles and drones,” a source familiar with the operations revealed to News 18. “Pakistan lost major air assets in the attack and they could not start their machines,” the source added.

This aggressive exchange was reportedly triggered by Pakistan’s efforts to target Indian Army bases and civilian infrastructure, prompting an immediate and decisive Indian counteroffensive.

Just a day before, on the night of May 8, India had successfully intercepted between 300 to 400 Pakistani drones at 36 strategic locations spread across its northern and western regions, demonstrating its preparedness against aerial threats.

The situation remains fluid with both nations reinforcing their defence postures. Government sources continue to monitor developments closely, emphasizing that all Indian military bases remain secure at this point.