Nur Khan was a critical hit, openly claimed by the Indian Air Force. In a dramatic escalation no one saw coming, India’s precision airstrikes on 10th May 2025 rattled Pakistan’s military core. Apart from disabling radars and rendering Pakistan’s Air Defense blind, India hit where it hurts most – strategic military assets and key terror hubs.
But the jewel in the IAF’s crown was the highly sensitive Nur Khan Airbase near Islamabad.
And yet, it’s what wasn’t confirmed that has everyone talking: Did India quietly strike Pakistan’s nuclear facility at Kirana Hills? The smirk on Air Marshal Bharti’s face says he’s not showing all his cards. The IAF stays cryptic – denying a strike whose footage floats freely online. Add to this a sudden visit by a US nuclear monitoring aircraft and China’s visible unease – and you know something big just went down.
Opening Gambit: The Strike on Nur Khan
On 10th May 2025, as the world watched with bated breath, the IAF launched the next phase of Operation Sindoor. India conducted precision strikes on 11 Pakistani military installations. Among them, Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi stood out. Why?
Because the Nur Khan strike didn’t just cripple Pakistan – it sent ripples through global corridors of power.
While IAF statements avoided naming specific targets, the damage spoke volumes. Satellite imagery confirmed heavy destruction at Nur Khan. The base was integral to Pakistan’s air mobility. However, more crucially, dangerously close to its nuclear command infrastructure.
The Kirana Enigma: A Denial Wrapped in Irony
Amid the aftermath, chatter swirled around Kirana Hills. This is long suspected to house Pakistan’s nuclear assets. When asked about a strike there, Air Marshal A.K. Bharti gave a cheeky response:
“Thank you for telling us that Kirana Hills houses some nuclear installation. We did not know about it… We have not hit Kirana Hills.”
That coy denial – delivered with a knowing smile – only fueled speculation.
Observers read between the lines. Local footage shows blasts, and eyewitnesses recorded airdropped missile strikes in the area. Many now see Air Marshal Bharti’s statement as a masterstroke in strategic ambiguity – enough to leave Pakistan trembling.
The U.S. Reacts: A Plane, A Panic
On 11th May, an unexpected visitor appeared in Pakistan’s skies: a specialized U.S. nuclear monitoring aircraft. This plane is allegedly part of the Department of Energy’s NNSA fleet.
The Beechcraft B350, equipped to detect radiological anomalies, was allegedly dispatched to assess damage near Nur Khan and possibly Kirana Hills.
The U.S. refused to confirm or deny its mission. Officially, it was “precautionary.” Unofficially, it suggested deep concern about a potential breach in Pakistan’s nuclear integrity. Many suggest that the Nur Khan and Kirana Hills strike spooked the USA. Thus, forcing them to ask both paries to step back. Pakistan brought to its knees by the IAF, made the call as directed by USA – begging Bharat for respite!
China’s Unease: When Allies Worry
China, Pakistan’s long-time benefactor and key nuclear enabler, didn’t stay silent. Though official remarks were measured, its rapid diplomatic moves and statements of support post-strikes hinted at panic.
The claimed Sargodha strikes might be a smokescreen for what really happened at Kirana Hills.
Reports indicate that an Egyptian plane landed soon after the US nuclear plane. The plane made a detour to Paksitan via China. Why Egypt? Possibly to deliver Boron – a critical component for containing nuclear leaks. The Nile Basin is rich in Boron. Officially, this was a routine refuelling stop. However, the analysts suspect something else!
It seems the US came to minize and assess, Egypt came to secure, while China provided information on the assets of Kinara Hills and Nur Khan airbase.
The Final Move: India’s “Understanding” and Pakistan’s Defeat
Soon after, Pakistan’s DGMO reached out, pleading for a pause. An “Understanding” was brokered. But the truth was clear – Pakistan had been exposed and embarrassed. The broken and beaten Pakistan has breached the “Understanding” on the IB and the LOC since then. The Indian Army continues to deter any and all misadventures of the Pakistan Army.
Operation Sindoor had achieved what no one imagined: it broke the myth of Pakistan’s nuclear untouchability.
It proved that the “nuclear noose” could be cut. Moreover, it showed the world that India had the political will and military muscle to do it. India didn’t just strike – it made a statement.
With homegrown tech, unmatched air power, and naval dominance in the Indian Ocean, Bharat showed that it means business.
Fair-weather friends or “Dost” were exposed. Global power structures shifted. As for Kirana Hills and Nur Khan, their ambiguity is their power. The IAF says little and Pakistan is stunned into silence. But the world watches closely – because nuclear leak whispers become sonic booms on the airwaves – it changes the rules of the game.
Bharat agreed to an “Understanding” – because Pakistan – a nation bleeding radiation – is now alive on india’s mercy!