Operation Sindoor: Did India’s precision strikes hit Kirana Hills, Pakistan’s nuclear facility?

Pakistan’s Kirana Hills is a strategically significant mountain range located in the Punjab province, near the border with India. It is part of the larger Salt Range and holds military importance due to its proximity to key installations.

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The region is also believed to host some of Pakistan's military and nuclear facilities, making it a potential target in any escalated conflict. The hills have historically been a focal point of military activity and surveillance due to their elevation and proximity to the Indo-Pakistani border. The area's importance has increased with rising tensions between the two countries.

There were reports that India’s precision strikes hit Kirana Hills. However, the Director General of Air Operations (DGAO), Air Marshal AK Bharti, dismissed any speculations on Monday.

Speaking at a press conference, DGAO Bharti addressed rumors circulating on social media and said, “Thank you for telling us that Kirana Hills houses some nuclear installation. We did not know about it. And we have not hit Kirana Hills, whatever is there.”

The DGAO’s remarks followed a wave of online discussions and unverified claims suggesting that India had struck the Mushaf Airbase in Sargodha, which is believed to be linked to underground nuclear storage beneath Kirana Hills, which is often referred to as the ‘Black Mountains’ due to its rugged terrain, span between Rabwah and Sargodha in Pakistan’s Punjab province.

In the same briefing, Air Marshal Bharti also highlighted the high level of readiness within India’s armed forces, particularly showcasing the success of its indigenous air defence systems, such as the Akash missile system. 

“All our military bases and systems continue to remain fully operational and ready to undertake any mission,” Bharti added.

Retaliation for Pakistani attacks

The comments came amid ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan following a series of retaliatory strikes. On Sunday, Bharti revealed images of significant damage inflicted on Pakistani air defence radars, airfields, and other military installations.

These operations were part of India’s counter-response to Pakistan’s attempted attacks on 26 Indian sites, including key airbases in Udhampur, Pathankot, and Adampur, on the night of May 9 & 10.

India's counteroffensive, dubbed 'Operation Sindoor', began on May 7, following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), on April 22, which brutally killed 26 innocent tourists. The operation targeted critical infrastructure used by a number of terror groups operating from Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

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Notably, the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) continues to play a pivotal role in overseeing strategic military operations, including combat and counter-terrorism efforts, ensuring that India’s armed forces remain poised for any further contingencies.