Satellite images shared by a defence expert have hinted that Kirana Hills, a significant and sensitive nuclear-linked facility in Pakistan, was also struck during India’s Operation Sindoor. Geo-intelligence expert Damien Symon shared two images on X, both hinting at a big loss for Pakistan at India’s hands.
However, Symon noted that the images did not reveal signs of subterranean impact or penetration. “It’s just one side of a hill with nothing of value in its immediate vicinity, must’ve been a warning strike on India’s part, tunnels etc are further away and don’t show any damage,” he wrote.
The first image, the expert said, is of Kirala Hills, and has two labels – Munition impact scar and Sentry post. It also has a small screengrab attached on the top, showing the strike’s impact on the site.
The Indian government, along with the IAF, had earlier denied targeting Kirana Hills. At a press conference held on 12 May, Director General of Air Operations, Air Marshal AK Bharti, had responded to allegations with dismissive humour, stating: “Thank you for informing us that Kirana Hills has some nuclear facilities. We were not aware of that. We have not attacked Kirana Hills.”
The Kirana Hills site, located close to the Sargodha airbase, has long been associated with Pakistan’s nuclear programme. It is widely believed to house radar installations, tunnel complexes, and subcritical nuclear test sites dating back to the 1980s.
Pakistan has so far neither confirmed nor denied the strike. Nevertheless, partial shutdown of operations at the Sargodha airbase and the continuation of flight restrictions in the area are viewed by military analysts as indirect confirmation of damage and heightened alert levels.
