John Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute and a noted expert on urban combat, has weighed in on recent developments in the India-Pakistan conflict. Commenting on reports and satellite images that show no visible damage to Indian military infrastructure following Pakistan’s alleged drone and missile attacks, Spencer highlighted the use of a “first to lie” tactic by some governments.

Although Spencer refrained from directly naming Pakistan, he referenced a New York Times article that analyzed satellite imagery following the latest military exchanges between the two nuclear-armed nations. The report emphasized that India maintained a “clear edge” in its targeting, while Pakistan’s claims of significant retaliatory damage lacked satellite evidence.

Spencer wrote, “Supporting terrorism and pushing misinformation seems to be a tactic of many governments. It used to be ‘first to the truth,’ now it seems to be ‘first to lie.’ Satellite imagery comes in handy.” He shared this insight while quoting a post on X (formerly Twitter) that pointed out discrepancies in Pakistani media narratives, citing the NYT article.

According to the New York Times, the latest military exchange marks the most “expansive fighting” between India and Pakistan in nearly five decades. The report concluded that most of the damage appeared to be concentrated on Pakistani facilities, with high-resolution before-and-after satellite images serving as evidence.

Among the key sites hit were the Bholari air base, located less than 100 kilometers from Karachi, where visible damage to aircraft hangars was detected. The Nur Khan air base, positioned close to Pakistan’s nuclear oversight unit, was also reportedly struck. Additionally, India’s precision strikes targeted the Rahim Yar Khan air base, rendering its runway non-operational, and two sections of the Sargodha air base’s runway in Punjab province were also hit.

In contrast, Pakistan claimed to have targeted and damaged over two dozen Indian military installations, including the Udhampur air base. However, satellite images dated May 12 reportedly show no visible destruction at that site or others mentioned by Pakistani authorities.

The article underscores how satellite imagery is becoming a vital tool in verifying—or debunking—claims in modern warfare, especially amid escalating tensions where misinformation can rapidly influence global narratives.