On May 6, 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor, a series of precision airstrikes targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. This decisive action was in response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including 25 Indians and one Nepalese citizen.
🎯 Objectives of Operation Sindoor
The primary goal of Operation Sindoor was to dismantle terrorist camps and infrastructure responsible for orchestrating attacks against India. The Indian Armed Forces emphasized that the operation was “focused, measured, and non-escalatory,” ensuring that no Pakistani military facilities were targeted.
📍 Targeted Locations
The operation focused on nine sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, including:
- Bahawalpur
- Muridke
- Tehra Kalan
- Sialkot
- Bhimber
- Kotli
- Muzaffarabad
These locations were identified as hubs for terrorist organizations such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
✈️ Execution Details
The Indian Air Force executed the operation using Rafale jets equipped with SCALP missiles and AASM Hammer bombs. The entire mission lasted approximately 23 minutes, ensuring swift and precise strikes on the intended targets.
📰 Aftermath and Reactions
🇵🇰 Pakistan’s Response
Pakistan condemned the strikes as an “act of war,” claiming civilian casualties, including the death of a child in a mosque in Bahawalpur. The Pakistani military reported that Indian missiles caused significant damage, though they stated that no Indian aircraft entered Pakistani airspace. In retaliation, Pakistan initiated artillery shelling along the Line of Control, resulting in the deaths of three civilians in Jammu and Kashmir.
🌐 International Community
Global leaders, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres and U.S. President Donald Trump, expressed concern over the escalating tensions and urged both nations to exercise restraint. The UN called for immediate de-escalation to prevent further conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
🛡️ Strategic Significance
Operation Sindoor underscores India’s commitment to combating terrorism and protecting its citizens. By targeting specific terrorist infrastructures, India aimed to send a clear message against cross-border terrorism while avoiding broader military escalation.
