On September 7-8 in 1965, the Pakistan Navy launched a successful assault on the Indian naval base at Dwarka, located 120 miles from its own waters. The operation, known as Somnath, involved seven Pakistani warships: PNS Babar, Khyber, Badr, Jahangir, Alamgir, Shahjahan, and Tipu Sultan.
The attack was swift and effective, with the base engulfed in flames within just four minutes. The intense bombardment also resulted in the destruction of the Indian Air Force radar at the base.
The Pakistan Navy’s daring operation significantly paralyzed the Indian Navy. Indian warships Mysore and Talwar, located only a few miles away, declined to respond to distress calls and remained docked in harbors for the remainder of the conflict, reflecting their fear and inability to engage.
The successful operation has been hailed as a major strategic victory, demonstrating the Pakistan Navy's capability and resolve in the face of adversity.
Pakistan Navy Day is being celebrated today
Pakistan Navy Day is being celebrated today [Sunday] to honor the heroic achievements of the veterans and martyrs of the Pakistan Navy, who fought gallantly against a much bigger adversary.
Navy Day is a glorious reminiscence of the daring operation 'SOMNATH', when Pakistan Navy's Warships destroyed important shore installations and inflicted irreparable damage to the Indian side.
In his message, Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf said the Navy Day is remarkable in our naval history, where our fearless warriors, driven by unshakeable resolve, struck against the enemy with absolute impunity and bravado.
He said this day stands as an enduring tribute to the selfless sacrifices of our gallant officers and sailors, whose exemplary valor continues to inspire generations and inflame the spirit of patriotism across the nation.
The Navy Day is an occasion to commemorate a series of extraordinary operations that embody the unfailing enthusiasm and unprecedented courage of our sea sentinels. Operation 'SOMNATH' shines as a beacon of valour, where a formidable Pakistan Navy Flotilla comprising seven major warships executed a daring surprise attack on the Indian Port of Dwarka. This audacious operation inflicted significant damage on critical shore installations and a key radar station, which signified unparalleled professionalism and dealt a serious blow to the enemy.
During the 1965 war, PNS/M GHAZI emerged as a grisly deterrent, epitomizing our operational ascendancy and raising stakes for the enemy, harboring malicious intent and harm to our homeland through violent force.
