Michael Rubin, a well-known U.S. military analyst from the American Enterprise Institute, strongly criticized Pakistan for quickly seeking a ceasefire after suffering heavy losses from India’s major airstrikes. He said Pakistan “went running like a scared dog with its tail between its legs” after its military suffered severe damage.
Rubin also questioned the Trump administration’s decision to support a $1 billion IMF bailout for Pakistan, despite the country’s long history of supporting terrorism. According to The Times of India, Rubin said, “By sending money to Pakistan, the IMF is effectively bailing out China as well. Pakistan has become a satrapy of China. Its Gwadar port was the first pearl in China’s string, and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has left Islamabad $40 billion in debt.”
Heavy losses for Pakistan’s air force
Rubin stated that Pakistan’s military was unable to hide the scale of its defeat. “There’s no way Pakistan’s military can hide the fact that they didn’t just lose, but lost very badly,” he said in a video shared with media. The video also addressed Pakistan’s failed propaganda efforts after Indian airstrikes hit critical military locations.
Several reports confirmed that the Indian Air Force targeted 11 Pakistan Air Force bases. These strikes caused major damage and destroyed around 20% of Pakistan’s air force infrastructure. At first, Pakistan claimed that India’s statements were exaggerated, but satellite images later proved that the damage was real. International news outlets have now begun reporting the true extent of the destruction.
Operation Sindoor: India targets terror networks
On May 8, India launched Operation Sindoor, a large-scale operation involving precision airstrikes on terrorist camps inside Pakistan. Indian forces hit nine important sites in both Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. These locations included key hubs in Bahawalpur and Muridke—areas known to shelter terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. High-ranking terrorists were killed in the attacks.
This bold action raised tensions between the two nuclear-armed countries. In response, Pakistan tried to launch missile and drone attacks on India. However, all these attempts were blocked by India’s advanced air defence systems.
India’s military success and China’s failed support
India’s airstrikes not only destroyed terror camps but also damaged Pakistan’s military bases and radar stations. Interestingly, India’s fighter jets managed to evade Pakistani defence systems that were supplied by China. This shows the weakness of Chinese-made technology and the strength of India’s military strategy.
Rubin’s remarks underline how Pakistan’s ties with China, including deep financial and military dependence, may have limited its ability to defend itself. His comments have also sparked debate over whether international bodies like the IMF should continue supporting a country accused of harbouring terrorists.
In the end, India’s operation not only dealt a major blow to Pakistan’s terror network but also sent a strong message to countries backing Islamabad.