In the early hours of May 7, 2025, India launched “Operation Sindoor,” a coordinated military operation targeting nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. This action was in retaliation for the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, including 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali tourist. India attributed the attack to terrorist groups operating from Pakistan, particularly Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.
In a significant escalation, India executed “Operation Sindoor,” deploying Rafale jets armed with SCALP and Hammer missiles to target nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, avenging the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians.
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The operation commenced at 1:44 AM IST and lasted approximately 23 minutes. It was a tri-services mission involving the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy. The Indian Air Force deployed Rafale fighter jets equipped with SCALP cruise missiles and AASM Hammer precision-guided munitions. These advanced weapons enabled precise strikes on the intended targets without crossing into Pakistani airspace.
The targeted sites included key terrorist infrastructures:
Muridke: Alleged headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba
Bahawalpur: Linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed leadership
Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and Bhimber: Areas in Pakistan-administered Kashmir
Tehra Kalan and Sialkot: Suspected logistical and training centers
India reported the elimination of over 70 militants and the injury of 60 others. The Indian government emphasized that the operation targeted terrorist infrastructures and was not an act of war.
Pakistan condemned the strikes as an “act of war,” reporting at least eight civilian deaths and 35 injuries, including children. Pakistani authorities also claimed that mosques and residential areas were among the targets.
In retaliation, Pakistan conducted artillery shelling across the Line of Control (LoC), resulting in the deaths of three civilians in Indian-administered Kashmir. Pakistan also claimed to have shot down five Indian fighter jets and a drone, though India has not confirmed these claims.
International leaders, including U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres and U.S. President Donald Trump, called for restraint to prevent further escalation between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
“Operation Sindoor” marks India’s most extensive cross-border military action since the 1971 war, showcasing its enhanced strike capabilities and a firm stance against terrorism.
