Kirana Hills Strike Was Unintentional, Says Ex-CDS Anil Chauhan on Operation Sindoor

New Delhi: Former Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan has given important information on the long-running speculation about India's attack on Kirana Hills in Sargodha, Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. He said that India had not deliberately targeted Kirana Hills or any nuclear base there. According to them, a loitering munition sent to search for Pakistani radar around Sargodha probably hit the hills of Kirana Hills after missing its target.

What happened in Kirana Hills?

At a programme of Vivekananda International Foundation, General Anil Chauhan told that before Operation Sindoor, India had sent many loitering munitions around Sargodha. Their objective was to search the Pakistani radar system. He said that such weapons remain in the air for a limited time and search for their target. If they do not reach the target in the stipulated time, they fall down.

Why were pictures of smoke rising from Kirana Hills revealed?

According to General Chauhan, pictures of smoke rising from Kirana Hills were shown in Pakistani media during the operation. They speculate that the smoke may have been caused by one of these loitering munitions hitting the hill. He clarified that Kirana Hills was not a fixed target for attack by India.

Why did India send drones around Sargodha?

The former CDS said that Pakistani radar systems around Sargodha were among the major targets of India. Loitering munitions were used to search for these radars. Kirana Hills is located about 10 kilometers north of Sargodha and this area has been linked to Pakistan's nuclear infrastructure.

Did India continue the attack despite the initiative for talks?

General Chauhan also said that even when Pakistan took the initiative for talks, India gave permission to proceed with military action. According to him, when contacted by Pakistan at around 10 am, the air force chief sought permission from them for the attack on Sargodha. Chauhan told that he had asked to move ahead. Subsequently two more targets were identified.

Why did Skardu have to be removed from the target?

According to Chauhan, Skardu was initially included in the additional targets, but the plan had to be changed due to bad weather. After this, instead of Skardu, Bholari was targeted. He said military options were used during the operation based on the circumstances and available information.

What was the role of loitering munition in Operation Sindoor?

The former CDS described Operation Sindoor as a strategic operation different from India's previous military operations. According to him, this time lower airspace was used so that the enemy could be surprised while controlling the pace of action. The use of loitering munitions, drones and other means was part of this strategy.

Was the attack on Kirana Hills deliberate?

According to the statement of General Anil Chauhan, no. He says that Kirana Hills was not the intended target of India. The munition sent in search of radar around Sargodha probably hit a hill in the Kirana Hills after not finding the target. Therefore, it should not be considered a deliberate attack on Pakistan's nuclear base.