SOURCE: AFI
On May 10, 2025, at approximately 07:58 AM IST, videos circulating on social media platforms like X revealed significant damage to the runway of Shaikh Zayed International Airport in Rahim Yar Khan, located in Pakistan’s Punjab province. The footage shows a large crater in the middle of the runway, with debris scattered across the site, a result of what appears to be a precise missile strike by Indian forces. This attack is part of the intensifying military conflict between India and Pakistan, which has seen a sharp escalation over the past few days under India’s Operation Sindoor.
The attack on Rahim Yar Khan Airport appears to be a continuation of India’s retaliatory strategy. Posts on X, including videos shared by users, show the extent of the damage, with one clip highlighting a massive crater that renders the runway inoperable. Unconfirmed reports also suggest a simultaneous strike on the Sukkur Oil Refinery, indicating a broader campaign targeting critical Pakistani infrastructure. India’s Ministry of Defence has not officially confirmed the strike, but sources indicate that the Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed air-launched missiles, potentially from Rafale jets, which have been active in the conflict, as evidenced by their use in earlier strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The damage to Rahim Yar Khan Airport has broader implications for Pakistan’s operational capabilities in the region. The airport, a key hub for both domestic and international flights, is strategically located near the border, making it a vital asset for military logistics. Its neutralization disrupts Pakistan’s ability to mobilize air support in the Punjab sector, potentially weakening its response to further Indian incursions. Meanwhile, India’s use of precision strikes demonstrates its intent to target military infrastructure while avoiding civilian areas, though the risk of miscalculation remains high in this volatile conflict.
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