Former Defence Chief Reveals Possible Strike on Pakistan’s Kirana Hills During Operation Sindoor

In a significant revelation, former Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan indicated that a loitering munition, possibly from India, may have impacted Pakistan’s Kirana Hills during Operation Sindoor, executed in May 2025. The Kirana Hills area is believed to house a nuclear facility, raising concerns about the implications of such military actions.

General Chauhan made these comments during a recent event in New Delhi, where he discussed the context of the operation, which was launched as a direct response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that claimed the lives of 26 individuals on April 22, 2025. The operation targeted what India described as terrorist camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. According to General Chauhan, while the Indian military deployed several munitions towards Sargodha, the primary objective was not to hit a nuclear site but to locate radar installations in the vicinity.

“Kirana Hills is situated approximately 10 kilometers north of Sargodha,” General Chauhan noted, emphasizing the operational strategy employed during the mission. He explained that the loitering munitions had an endurance of around two hours. If they did not acquire a target within that timeframe, they would descend and potentially impact an unintended location. This technical aspect of loitering munitions raises critical questions about the precision and potential collateral damage associated with their use in conflict scenarios.

Throughout Operation Sindoor, the Indian armed forces confirmed that they had successfully targeted various sites, including the Pakistani airbase at Sargodha. However, the claims regarding the Kirana Hills strike were met with skepticism. Air Marshal AK Bharti, who served as the director general of air operations at the time, dismissed assertions that Indian forces had deliberately aimed for the Kirana Hills area. This discrepancy highlights the complexities and challenges in military communications and the narratives that emerge during times of conflict.

The implications of such military actions are far-reaching, particularly considering the sensitive geopolitical climate between India and Pakistan. As both nations continue to navigate the delicate balance of their military capabilities, discussions surrounding operational transparency and accountability are more crucial than ever. The potential targeting of areas with nuclear facilities adds a layer of urgency to the dialogue on maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Source: scroll.in