Operation Trident and its follow up Operation Python were naval attacks launched on Pakistan's port city of Karachi by the Indian Navy during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. Operation Trident was the first time ship launched missiles were used in the region, and saw the first sinking of naval vessels in the region since independence for the two nations. As a result of this operation India celebrates Navy Day on December 4.
Karachi housed the head...
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Operation Trident and its follow up Operation Python were naval attacks launched on Pakistan's port city of Karachi by the Indian Navy during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. Operation Trident was the first time ship launched missiles were used in the region, and saw the first sinking of naval vessels in the region since independence for the two nations. As a result of this operation India celebrates Navy Day on December 4.
Karachi housed the headquarters of the Pakistani Navy and almost the entire fleet was based at Karachi Harbour. Karachi was also the hub of Pakistan's maritime trade, meaning that a blockade would be disastrous for Pakistan’s economy. The defence of Karachi harbour was therefore paramount to the Pakistani High Command and it was heavily defended against any airstrikes or naval strike. Karachi received some of the best defence Pakistan had to offer as well as cover from strike aircraft based at two airfields in the area.
On December 4 the Indian Navy launched a fast...
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