Pakistan Launches Operation Bunyan al-Marsus

Pakistan Launches Operation Bunyan al-Marsus

On May 9 and 10, 2025, Pakistan launched a military operation named “Bunyan al-Marsus” targeting Indian military sites.

Pakistani officials confirmed the operation, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict with India over Kashmir.

This article outlines the meaning of the operation’s name, Pakistan’s actions on May 9 and 10, official confirmations, and the broader context, based solely on verified reports.

Meaning of Operation Bunyan al-Marsus

The name “Bunyan al-Marsus” comes from a verse in the Quran, the Islamic holy book. It translates to “a firm and compact structure” or “a solid cemented structure,” symbolizing strength and unity.

According to a Hindustan Times report that cited The New York Times, Pakistan chose the term to reflect its intent to project a unified and robust defense strategy.

Pakistani media, including Geo.tv, described it as symbolizing “a wall constructed of molten lead,” emphasizing impenetrability. Officials selected the name to resonate with Pakistan’s military resolve in response to perceived Indian aggression, particularly following India’s Operation Sindoor, which targeted terrorist camps after the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people.

Pakistan’s military and information minister both confirmed the operation’s name and purpose. The minister posted on X that the operation represents a “firm, united structure,” aligning with its goal of countering Indian military actions. The symbolic name underscores Pakistan’s narrative of solidarity and strength in the face of conflict.

Pakistan’s Actions on May 9, 2025

On May 9, tensions between India and Pakistan intensified after India reportedly launched air-to-surface missile strikes on three Pakistani airbases.

Pakistan’s military confirmed the strikes and claimed all assets remained safe. In response, Pakistan’s leadership convened a meeting of its National Command Authority, the body that oversees its nuclear arsenal, signaling the gravity of the situation.

That evening, Pakistani drones and missiles entered Indian airspace, marking the start of Operation Bunyan al-Marsus. Indian authorities reported multiple explosions across the Kashmir Valley, the first such drone incursions since May 7 airstrikes.

Pakistan’s state-run news agency, APP, cited security sources who said the operation targeted strategic Indian military installations. Pakistani officials described these actions as a direct response to India’s “unprovoked attacks” on Pakistani territory.

The Pakistani military did not list specific targets on May 9 but indicated that it had begun preparations for a broader offensive.

Reports from Al Jazeera noted Pakistan’s vow to strike India “at a time and place of its choosing,” with military bases as likely targets. Pakistan released no official casualty figures or damage reports on May 9, but its actions clearly signaled an impending escalation.

Pakistan’s Actions on May 10, 2025

On the morning of May 10, Pakistan escalated Operation Bunyan al-Marsus with precision missile strikes and drone attacks across multiple Indian locations.

Pakistani media, including ARY News, reported that the operation targeted strategic sites, including a BrahMos missile storage facility in Beas, which it claimed to have “knocked out.” Indian officials have not confirmed this claim, and no independent source has verified it.

Pakistan’s military said it launched between 300 and 400 drones across 36 locations in India, targeting military installations in Pathankot, Udhampur, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.

A Pakistani radio report said a Fateh-1 missile was used in the pre-dawn strikes. Indian forces intercepted most of the drones and missiles, but some caused damage. In Jammu, shelling damaged civilian homes and vehicles, and Rajouri’s additional district development commissioner, Raj Kumar Thappa, died during the attack.

Pakistan’s information minister posted on X that the operation responded to India’s “continuous provocation.” Military officials described the strikes as a coordinated effort to neutralize Indian military capabilities.

Al Jazeera reported that Pakistan launched the strikes in response to India’s earlier targeting of three Pakistani airbases. Pakistani authorities did not release casualty reports, but they described the operation as ongoing.

Official Confirmations and Statements

Pakistan’s military and government issued official confirmations of Operation Bunyan al-Marsus. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of Pakistan’s military, released a statement on May 10 stating the operation targeted “multiple Indian military sites” in retaliation for India’s strikes on Pakistani airbases. The statement emphasized that Pakistan launched the operation as a defensive measure against India’s “continuous aggression.”

Pakistan’s information minister supported this narrative on X, naming the operation and linking it to the Quranic term for unity. The state-run APP news agency cited security sources who confirmed strikes on strategic Indian installations, though details remained limited. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s administration faced internal criticism, with a Pakistani MP calling him “cowardly” for not directly addressing India’s actions, reflecting domestic pressure to respond forcefully.

India, in contrast, accused Pakistan of violating its airspace and targeting civilian areas. Indian officials confirmed the death of a senior official in Rajouri and damage in Jammu but said they intercepted most Pakistani drones. Neither side issued a joint statement or allowed independent verification of the operation’s scope, leaving many claims unverified.

Context and Broader Implications

Operation Bunyan al-Marsus stems from the long-standing India-Pakistan conflict over Kashmir, which has seen renewed violence in 2025. The operation follows India’s Operation Sindoor, which it launched to avenge the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. Pakistan framed its strikes as a response to India’s targeting of its airbases, which it described as unprovoked.

The escalation has drawn international attention. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, on May 9, urging restraint, following a similar call with India’s foreign minister. Vice President JD Vance stated the U.S. would not intervene, calling the conflict “none of our business.” Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia and Iran, stepped in as mediators, filling the diplomatic vacuum left by the U.S.

Misinformation has further complicated the situation. Videos that claimed to show Pakistani F-16 jets attacking India turned out to be ARMA 3 game simulations. The conflict also holds intelligence implications, with Reuters reporting that China is likely gathering data from Pakistan’s use of its fighter jets.

As of May 10, both nations remain on the brink of further escalation. Pakistan’s operation, named to evoke unity and strength, signals its intent to counter India’s military actions. However, the lack of independent verification and persistent misinformation make the full scope of the operation unclear. The international community continues urging restraint to prevent a broader conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

Note: This article is based on verified reports and official statements available as of May 10, 2025. It does not include unconfirmed claims or speculative details.

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