SOURCE: AFI
On May 10, 2025, Pakistan’s Bholari Air Base, located near Hyderabad in Sindh province, came under a sudden and intense attack, reportedly carried out by Indian forces, according to sources on the Pakistani side. The assault, which targeted a hangar at the air base, resulted in significant casualties, injuries, and damage to critical military assets, further escalating the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict sparked by India’s Operation Sindoor. The attack has drawn sharp condemnation from Pakistani officials, who claim it occurred just before a proposed ceasefire, raising questions about the timing and intent of the strike.
According to reports from Pakistani sources, including posts on X and statements attributed to former Pakistani President Arif Alvi, the attack unfolded with devastating precision. At the time of the strike, 52 personnel were working in and around a hangar at Bholari Air Base, a key facility under the Pakistan Air Force’s Southern Air Command. Of these, 40 personnel were inside the hangar, while 12 were outside. Without warning, an Indian missile struck the hangar, killing five personnel on the spot, including Squadron Leader Usman Yousaf, a respected officer in the Pakistan Air Force. The blast left the remaining personnel injured, many of whom are reportedly still buried under the rubble.
In addition to the missile strike, four drones allegedly attacked the hangar, though Pakistani sources claim these were successfully defused by air base defenses. The attack caused significant structural damage to the hangar and destroyed a Saab-2000 aircraft, part of Pakistan’s fleet of Hawks, which was undergoing maintenance inside the facility. The loss of this aircraft, a critical asset for transport and surveillance, represents a significant blow to Pakistan’s operational capabilities.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
The human toll of the attack has been severe. Pakistani reports confirm that five personnel, including Squadron Leader Usman Yousaf, were killed instantly. Rescue operations are ongoing, with five injured personnel successfully extracted from the debris and transferred to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Hyderabad for treatment. The condition of those still trapped under the rubble remains critical, and rescue teams are working against time to save lives.
Among the identified injured are:
- Flight Lieutenant Saroosh, who sustained injuries to his left leg.
- HS2 Bilal, with unspecified injuries.
- Senior Technician Hafeez, injured in the blast.
- Junior Technician Chaman, also among the wounded.
- Senior Technician Mubashir, receiving medical attention.
The exact number of personnel still trapped or injured remains unclear, but the scale of the attack suggests a prolonged recovery effort. Pakistani military officials have expressed grief over the loss of Squadron Leader Usman Yousaf, hailing him as a hero whose sacrifice will not be forgotten.
The missile strike not only claimed lives but also inflicted significant damage to Pakistan’s military infrastructure. The Saab-2000 aircraft, a versatile platform used for transport and surveillance, was parked inside the hangar for routine maintenance when the missile hit. The destruction of this aircraft weakens Pakistan’s ability to conduct aerial operations, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict. The hangar itself, a vital facility for aircraft maintenance and storage, sustained severe structural damage, further hampering operations at Bholari Air Base.
Bholari Air Base, located in Jamshoro district between Karachi and Hyderabad, is a critical asset for the Pakistan Air Force. Inaugurated in recent years, it houses the 19 Squadron and operates F-16A/B Block 15 ADF aircraft, making it a hub for fighter jet operations and rapid deployment. Its proximity to Karachi, Pakistan’s economic hub, and its role in drone activities underscore its strategic importance. The base’s modern infrastructure, including newly constructed hangar facilities, supports Pakistan’s growing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations, making it a prime target for Indian forces seeking to disrupt Pakistan’s air capabilities.
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