In response to the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, on April 22, which claimed the lives of 25 Indian citizens and one Nepali citizen, the Indian Armed Forces launched "Operation Sindoor". This operation involved precision missile strikes on nine terror targets both within Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The strikes, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, May 7, 2025, were aimed at degrading the operational capabilities of terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

Indian officials emphasized that the strikes were carefully calibrated to be "measured, non-escalatory, proportionate, and responsible". The objectives were to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and disable terrorists planning attacks against India. The strikes were conducted without Indian aircraft entering Pakistani airspace.

The targeted locations included key terror strongholds:

• In Pakistan:
  • Markaz Subhanallah in Bahawalpur: Headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM).
  • Markaz Taiba in Muridke: A training camp linked to the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
  • Sarjal/Tehra Kalan in Sialkot: Training camp for terrorists involved in the March 2025 attack on J&K police.
  • Mehmoona Joya Facility, Sialkot: Where the Pathankot air force base camp attack was planned and carried out from.
• In Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK):
  • Markaz Ahle Hadith Barnala, Bhimber.
  • Markaz Abbas, Kotli: A Fidayeen camp of LeT.
  • Maskar Raheel Shahid, located in Kotli District.
  • Shawai Nallah Camp in Muzaffarabad.
  • Markaz Syedna Bilal.

Indian sources reported that over 70 terrorists were killed and more than 60 were wounded in the strikes. JeM chief Maulana Masood Azhar claimed that 10 members of his family and four of his aides were among those killed.

The operation was launched in response to the Pahalgam attack. The Indian Ministry of Defence stated that the strikes targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK "from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed". Prime Minister Narendra Modi had vowed to inflict punishment "beyond their imagination" on those responsible for the Pahalgam attack.

Tensions have soared following the strikes, with Pakistan condemning the action and vowing a response. The Pakistani army has reportedly violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC). Pakistan has placed its air force jets on high alert. There have been reports of cross-border shelling in Jammu and Kashmir.

The international community has expressed concern about the potential for further escalation. France condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack and expressed solidarity with India. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak supported India's right to act against terrorism. China urged both countries to prioritize peace and stability.