Amid escalated cross-border tension between Afghanistan and Pakistan, the Ministry of National Defence of the Islamic Emirate stated that it had carried out airstrikes on major military installations in Pakistan, including the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, describing the action as a response to Pakistani air raids on Afghan territory.
In a post on X, the Ministry of National Defence of Afghanistan stated that the Afghan Air Force conducted "effective airstrikes" targeting important Pakistani military facilities.
According to the statement, the strikes include the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, the 12th Brigade base in Quetta, Balochistan, and the Khoizai camp in the Mohmand Agency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, along with other military sites housing key facilities and centres.
"The Air Force of the National Defence Ministry today once again carried out effective airstrikes on important military bases in Pakistan. These strikes included Nur Khan Base in Rawalpindi, and the 12th Brigade base in Quetta, Balochistan, and the Khoizai camp in the Mohmand Agency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and some other military sites in Pakistan that house important military facilities and centers. These attacks resulted in significant damage to these targets," the post read.
Notably, the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi's Chakala also suffered significant damage in May last year following India's coordinated strikes on key military installations in Pakistan, which came as part of Operation Sindoor, in retaliatory action by the Indian Armed Forces.
The Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor in the early hours of May 7, as a retaliatory response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
Why Nur Khan Airbase holds such critical importance for Pakistan
Headquarters of Air Mobility Command: It serves as the central hub for air transport, logistics, and strategic airlift operations. This includes operating key aircraft like C-130 Hercules transports, CN-235s, and others for moving troops, supplies, and equipment across the country or during operations.
Air refueling capability: The base is home to Pakistan's primary aerial refueling assets such as IL-78 tankers and No. 10 Squadron. This allows fighter jets to extend their range and stay airborne longer during combat missions, which is essential for air defense and strike capabilities, especially in potential conflicts with neighbors like India.
Proximity to Pakistan's Key national assets: Its location near Islamabad or Rawalpindi places it close to: The Strategic Plans Division which oversees Pakistan's nuclear arsenal and command structure.
Political and military command centers: This makes it vital for rapid response, VIP transport including government officials, and overall national security coordination.
Additional Roles: It includes pilot training facilities, aircraft maintenance, early warning systems like Saab Erieye airborne surveillance, and support for special operations. It has historically supported international efforts such as logistics during the War on Terror and remains a key node for air defence over northern Pakistan and the capital region.
Why Afghanistan carried out air strikes on Pakistan
Meanwhile, the Afghan defence ministry also stated that the operation was launched in retaliation for airstrikes that were carried out by the Pakistani army on Kabul, Bagram and other areas "last night and today".
"According to preliminary information, these attacks have resulted in significant damage to the mentioned targets. This operation was carried out in response to the airstrikes launched by the Pakistani army, which targeted Kabul, Bagram, and some other areas last night and today," the post read.
Warning against further escalation, the ministry added that any violation of Afghan airspace or "lack of respect by the evil parties in Pakistan" would be met with a strong response.
The recent reports of cross-border strikes mark a sharp escalation in tensions between the two neighbouring countries.
(With inputs from agency)