Strategic Naval Operations Targeting Cox's Bazar and East Pakistan's Waterways in 1971 War

During the 1971 Bangladesh war, Cox's Bazar was strategically important due to its airfield and coastal location, enabling control over East Pakistan's southeastern exit routes. The Indian Navy targeted this area early, including strikes from INS Vikrant. Concurrently, Operation Jackpot involved Indian-trained Bengali naval commandos sabotaging East Pakistan's riverine shipping, disrupting logistics and forcing Pakistani troop diversions. These coordinated efforts aimed to isolate East Pakistan and hasten the conflict's end by cutting off key supply and movement channels.