The strike force approached Karachi on 8 December 1971 in rough seas.

Another missile hit and sunk Panamian fuel tanker SS Gulf Star.

The third and fourth missiles hit the Pakistan Navy fleet tanker PNS Dacca and the British merchant ship SS Harmattan, which were badly damaged.

India established complete control over the oil route from the Persian Gulf to Pakistani ports.

Vijai Jerath, commanding officer of INS Vinash was awarded the Vir Chakra for the operation.