In a powerful military response to the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Armed Forces launched strikes on nine terrorist camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) as part of ‘Operation Sindoor’. The operation, executed in the early hours of May 7, is being hailed as a significant step in India’s fight against cross-border terrorism.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed immense pride in the precision and effectiveness with which Operation Sindoor was carried out, calling it “unimaginable.” His remarks came on the same day that the Indian Armed Forces successfully neutralised an air defence system in Lahore, as confirmed by government sources.
In a statement, the Ministry of Defence revealed that Pakistan attempted to target several military sites across Northern and Western India—including in areas such as Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, and Amritsar using drones and missiles. “It has been reliably learnt that an Air Defence system at Lahore has been neutralised,” the statement read.
Terrorist Bases Targeted
The Indian strikes destroyed sites linked to terrorist groups Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), including key bases in Bahawalpur and Muridke. Among the notable targets was the compound of JeM’s leader Masood Azhar in Bahawalpur, where ten of his family members, along with four close associates, were reportedly killed. The strikes on LeT’s facilities in Muridke were also part of the operation. These camps were allegedly involved in planning and executing terror attacks on Indian soil.
Response to Pahalgam Attack
The operation is seen as a retaliatory measure to the horrific Pahalgam terror attack of April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, mostly civilians. The victims were brutally gunned down at close range, sparking outrage across India and the international community. Indian officials confirmed that the operation remained within India’s territorial boundaries and used precision ammunition, including Rafale jets, Sukhoi Su-30 aircraft, SCALP missiles, and Israel-developed Spice-2000 bombs.
“We congratulate the armed forces for the action they took yesterday and the courage and bravery they showed. Terror camps in Pakistan and PoK have been neutralised, and it is a matter of pride for us,” said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, praising the success of the operation. He added that the military’s strikes were highly precise, with minimal collateral damage.
“The precision with which Operation Sindoor was executed is unimaginable, very praiseworthy. Nine terrorist camps were destroyed in it and a significant number of terrorists were killed. This operation was carried out without harming any innocents and with minimum collateral damage,” Singh said.
International Reactions and Support
The international community has largely supported India’s stance, with countries like the United States, France, The Netherlands, and Panama backing India’s right to self-defense. U.S. President Donald Trump has even offered to mediate between India and Pakistan to prevent further escalation. However, Pakistan has strongly condemned the operation and vowed to respond in its own time, with China and Turkey backing Islamabad’s stance.
Pakistan’s Retaliation and Ceasefire Violations
In retaliation to India’s strikes, Pakistan has intensified ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir. Reports from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) indicated that 13 civilians have been killed, with 59 others wounded as a result of cross-border firing by the Pakistan Army in areas like Poonch, Uri, and Kupwara.
Following the operation, military targets were engaged in Northern and Western India, including Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj, using drones and missiles.
All-Party Briefing
In an effort to unite the nation during these heightened tensions, the Indian government called an all-party meeting on May 8. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh briefed opposition leaders on the details of Operation Sindoor. Singh informed them that over 100 terrorists had been killed during the operation. “The operation is ongoing,” he assured, indicating that the Indian military is prepared to respond to any further escalation by Pakistan.
The briefing was conducted in a cordial and mature manner, with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expressing full support for the government’s actions. “We heard what they said… they also said some information had to remain confidential. We said ‘we are all with the government’,” Kharge stated.
Ongoing Operations and Precision Strikes
The strikes, which lasted 25 minutes, were meticulously planned and executed using precision-guided weapons such as SCALP missiles and HAMMER bombs. The targets included the headquarters and training camps of the two most prominent terrorist organisations operating from Pakistan’s soil: Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army confirmed that the strikes were based on “credible intelligence” and aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure. “No Pakistan military establishment was targeted, and the operation was timed to minimize civilian casualties,” she emphasised in a press briefing. Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force assured that the military was ready to handle any retaliation from the Pakistani forces.
Global Focus on Cross-Border Terrorism
The operation comes after intense global scrutiny of Pakistan’s role in harboring terror groups. At a recent United Nations Security Council meeting, Pakistan was called out for its continued support of terrorist organisations like Lashkar-e-Taiba, which was implicated in the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the 2019 Pulwama bombing. Following the Pahalgam attack, India claimed to have evidence of Pakistan’s involvement in cross-border terrorism, a claim which Pakistan has denied. Islamabad has called for an international investigation into the attack.
In the wake of the terror attack, India also announced several non-military measures, including suspending certain types of visas and holding the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan in abeyance. The IWT, which divides the Indus River and its tributaries between the two nations, has been a key point of contention, with Pakistan viewing India’s suspension of the treaty as an “act of war.”
Proportionate Response to Pakistan’s Firing
Pakistan has been continuously violating the ceasefire, with cross-border firing occurring daily along the LoC. As of now, 13 individuals, including a soldier, have lost their lives as a result of Pakistan’s aggressive actions. The Indian Army has responded proportionately to these violations, with government sources emphasising that India’s primary objective is to protect its citizens and territory from external threats.
The ongoing Operation Sindoor signifies India’s commitment to protecting its borders and countering terrorism, regardless of the challenges it faces. As tensions continue to rise, India remains firm in its resolve to defend its sovereignty, while remaining open to diplomacy and dialogue under the right circumstances.
