Date: May 7, 2025
By: Karavali News 24 Desk
In a powerful retaliation following the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, India launched a high-intensity military operation early Tuesday morning, codenamed Operation Sindoor, targeting terror infrastructure deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The strikes, which lasted just 25 minutes, involved 24 missile launches on nine terrorist camps, leading to the elimination of an estimated 70 militants, according to Indian intelligence sources.
Background: The Pahalgam Attack
The trigger for this operation was the deadly terrorist strike in the tourist town of Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 innocent civilians, most of them Hindu pilgrims, were killed in a grenade and gun assault by militants. The incident drew national outrage and immediate vows of retaliation from the Indian government.
Execution of Operation Sindoor
At precisely 4:00 AM on May 7, Indian Air Force Rafale fighter jets took off from undisclosed airbases and crossed into hostile territory. Armed with SCALP long-range cruise missiles and AASM Hammer precision-guided bombs, the jets targeted terrorist hubs in:
- Muzaffarabad and Kotli (PoK)
- Bahawalpur, Punjab (mainland Pakistan)
Military sources confirmed that the targets included known camps of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, the two groups believed responsible for orchestrating the Pahalgam carnage.
The operation was reportedly conducted without entering Pakistani airspace for long durations, thanks to the long-range precision of the weaponry used. Satellite data and aerial reconnaissance confirmed the destruction of terror facilities and militant casualties.
Official Statements
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while addressing the media, stated:
“This is a clear message — any attack on Indian soil will be met with firm and precise retaliation. Operation Sindoor was necessary and successful in dismantling critical terror infrastructure.”
Pakistan’s Reaction
In response, Pakistan condemned the airstrikes as a “blatant act of aggression” and alleged that 26 civilians, including women and children, were killed. The Pakistani military claimed it shot down five Indian fighter jets — a claim India has denied.
Additionally, there have been reports of cross-border artillery exchanges in several sectors along the Line of Control (LoC) following the strikes. At least four Indian civilians and two soldiers were injured in shelling incidents in the Rajouri and Poonch sectors.
Diplomatic Fallout
India has taken several diplomatic steps post-operation:
- Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, which has been a symbol of Indo-Pak cooperation since 1960.
- Closure of the Kartarpur Corridor, halting religious pilgrimage for Indian Sikh devotees to the holy Gurdwara in Pakistan.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized that the operation was a “non-military preemptive strike” intended only to neutralize terror threats and not civilians or infrastructure.
International Reactions
The global community has called for restraint:
- The United Nations urged both nations to “de-escalate the situation immediately.”
- The United States, China, and Russia issued advisories, asking their citizens to avoid travel to South Asia.
- France and Israel expressed solidarity with India and condemned the Pahalgam attacks.
Ground Reality and Ongoing Vigilance
Security has been heightened across Jammu and Kashmir, with intelligence inputs warning of possible retaliatory infiltration attempts or lone-wolf attacks by sleeper cells. Indian forces remain on high alert.
Conclusion
Operation Sindoor marks a significant turning point in India’s counterterrorism strategy, showcasing a shift toward swift, high-tech precision strikes aimed at dismantling terror networks beyond its borders. While the geopolitical consequences are unfolding, the Indian government has reaffirmed its commitment to securing its citizens and punishing those who threaten peace.