India's Strikes Rattle Pak Army: Asim Munir Moved To Bunker After Nur Khan Hit
The relocation reflects not only a tactical response but also the psychological impact of India's deep-penetration capability on Pakistan's military leadership
Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir has been moved to a fortified bunker within the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, CNN-News18 has exclusively learned, following India's high-precision strikes on the Nur Khan Airbase during Operation Sindoor.
Sources say the relocation reflects not only a tactical response but also the psychological impact of India's deep-penetration capability on Pakistan's military leadership. Munir's temporary sheltering underscores a heightened sense of insecurity within the Pakistani top brass, with reports now indicating that his operational base will be shifted to mitigate future vulnerabilities.
The Nur Khan Airbase—just 10 km from Islamabad and home to Pakistan's Air Mobility Command—was among the key targets struck by India in response to a series of coordinated attacks by Pakistan on India's military installations as well as civilian infrastructure. According to satellite imagery from Chinese firm MIZAZVISION and India's Kawa Space, the base suffered severe structural damage, including destroyed fuel trucks, a compromised warehouse roof, and debris scattered near the runway.
Imagery released by a Chinese satellite firm (MIZAZVISION) helps spotlight damage at Pakistan's Nur Khan Airbase – the Indian Air Force precision strike appears to have focused on disabling infrastructure & ground support vehicles present on site at the time pic.twitter.com/f4q2OTinCp — Damien Symon (@detresfa_) May 11, 2025
Imagery released by an Indian firm (KAWASPACE) spotlights damage at Pakistan's Bholari Airbase – the Indian Air Force strike appears to have severely damaged a hangar, debris visible along with structural damage, runway proximity = possible quick reaction role for the hangar (?) pic.twitter.com/YC0Dg61d8e — Damien Symon (@detresfa_) May 11, 2025
The airbase houses critical assets such as Saab Erieye surveillance systems, IL-78 refuelling aircraft, and C-130 transporters. A C-130B/E was visibly damaged in the attack, significantly impacting Pakistan's aerial logistics and VIP mobility.
Between 8 and 10 May, IAF fighter jets struck 11 military air bases across Pakistan in a coordinated, precision-led campaign. 'Within 3 hours, 11 bases were attacked, including Nur Khan, Rafiqui, Murid, Sukkur, Sialkot, Pasrur, Chunian, Sargodha, Skaru, Bholari and Jacobabad," DGMO Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai said in a press briefing.
India's ability to target such a vital military installation has reportedly shaken Pakistan's defence establishment. Following the strike, Pakistan temporarily closed its airspace amid fears of further escalation. CNN-News18 had earlier reported that Pakistan urgently convened its Command and Control Authority following India's strikes — a key step that eventually paved the way for the ceasefire.
Security analysts now speculate that Islamabad may relocate key command centres to minimise exposure, a move that reflects the depth of the strategic blow delivered by Operation Sindoor.
Operation Sindoor
India launched 'precision strikes" under Operation Sindoor on nine terror targets in Pakistan and PoK following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. The strikes killed at least 10 family members of JeM chief Masood Azhar and four close aides.
The strikes were carefully calibrated, with precision targeting and were monitored by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In response to Pakistan's retaliatory drone and missile attacks on May 7, 8, and 9, targeting multiple Indian cities and military installations, India launched Kamikaze drones to destroy Pakistani air defences across the country, including neutralising the air defence system of Lahore.
However, New Delhi and Islamabad announced a ceasefire on Saturday. But just hours later, Pakistan violated the 'understanding' by launching drones across the International Border and the Line of Control.
The Indian Army said Sunday night was the 'first calm" night along the Line of Control (LoC) in recent days.
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First Published:
May 12, 2025, 12:39 IST
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