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The article delves into the controversy surrounding alleged Indian military strikes on Pakistani territory, specifically focusing on the Kirana Hills region near Sargodha. The core issue revolves around whether India targeted a nuclear arms storage facility during a military operation, codenamed ‘Operation Sindoor’. While Indian Air Marshal A.K. Bharti confirmed missile strikes on the Mushaf airbase in Sargodha, he vehemently denied targeting the nearby Kirana Hills, despite social media claims and visual evidence suggesting otherwise. The proximity of the two locations, merely seven kilometers apart, amplifies the sensitivity of the matter. The article meticulously pieces together information from various sources, including official statements, social media videos, open-source intelligence (OSINT) analysis, and expert reports, to paint a comprehensive picture of the situation. The absence of definitive high-resolution satellite imagery immediately following the alleged strike significantly hinders the ability to independently verify the claims and ascertain the true extent of any potential damage. Furthermore, the ambiguity surrounding the existence and nature of nuclear assets at Kirana Hills adds another layer of complexity to the investigation. The Indian denial, coupled with the lack of irrefutable visual confirmation, creates a stalemate where conflicting narratives persist. The reliance on geolocation analysis of social media footage provides some degree of corroboration to the claims of a strike near Kirana Hills, but it is not conclusive proof of a direct hit on a nuclear facility. The presence of smoke plumes rising from the base of the hills, as captured in the videos, raises suspicion and warrants further scrutiny. The article effectively highlights the challenges of verifying claims in conflict zones, particularly when sensitive strategic assets are involved. The lack of transparency from both sides contributes to the propagation of misinformation and makes it difficult to arrive at a definitive conclusion. The article emphasizes the importance of independent verification and the need for high-resolution satellite imagery to accurately assess the situation on the ground.
A key aspect of the article is the citation of a 2023 report by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, which identified Kirana Hills and its surrounding areas as a “subcritical nuclear test site.” This report provides crucial context by outlining the likely presence of munitions storage areas, Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL) garages, and underground storage facilities in the region. The report, authored by scientists from the Federation of American Scientists, adds credibility to the possibility that Kirana Hills could indeed house sensitive nuclear assets. The article further strengthens its analysis by geolocating the social media footage and comparing it to the information provided in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists report. The geolocation suggests that the source of the smoke is located less than a kilometer from the missile transport vehicle storage cited in the report. The proximity of the impact site to the TEL garages and a nearby radar installation further reinforces the plausibility of a strike targeting strategically important assets. The distinctive hill formations visible in the analysed video, along with a nearby mosque, are cross-referenced with Google Earth and high-resolution satellite imagery to corroborate the location. This meticulous approach to verification lends considerable weight to the claims of a strike near Kirana Hills. The article also acknowledges the presence of the Sargodha Garrison, a large complex in and around Kirana Hills, which has been historically used by Pakistan to advance its nuclear program. The article highlights the presence of potential TEL garages and underground storage facilities within the garrison, further supporting the argument that Kirana Hills is a strategically significant location with potential nuclear-related activities. The absence of a standard layout and perimeter for the TEL area, as noted by senior researcher Matt Korda, suggests the age and historical importance of the garrison.
Beyond the specific allegations surrounding Kirana Hills, the article also touches upon other potential targets of Indian military strikes in Pakistan. The article mentions Pakistan's air bases housing Mirage III and Mirage V fighter jets, which are believed to have a nuclear delivery role. Specifically, the Masroor and Rafiqui air bases are identified as potential targets. While there is no official confirmation regarding Masroor, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army confirmed a strike on the Rafiqui airbase, and a low-resolution satellite image shows what appears to be a crater. The article also confirms damage to the runway at the Mushaf airbase following the strike on May 10, supported by satellite imagery and official sources. The Mushaf airbase is home to F-16A/B fighter jets, which are potentially equipped to carry nuclear bombs. However, Pakistan is obligated to the United States not to modify these aircraft for nuclear weapon delivery. The article also mentions the Shahbaz Airbase near Jacobabad, which houses newer F-16C/D aircraft and has undergone significant expansion, including the addition of numerous weapons bunkers. High-resolution satellite imagery reveals a precision strike on a hangar on the main apron of the Shahbaz Airbase, with possible secondary damage to the air traffic control (ATC) building. The inclusion of these other potential targets provides a broader context for understanding the scope of the alleged Indian military strikes and their potential impact on Pakistan's strategic assets. The article underscores the importance of independent verification and the need for transparency in conflict zones to prevent the spread of misinformation and ensure accountability. The reliance on satellite imagery, open-source intelligence, and expert reports is crucial for accurately assessing the situation and mitigating the risks of escalation. The article effectively highlights the complexities of nuclear deterrence and the potential for miscalculation in a volatile geopolitical environment. The absence of post-strike satellite imagery of the Kirana Hills complex is a significant limitation, hindering further analysis and contributing to the uncertainty surrounding the allegations.