In the early hours of Wednesday, May 7, 2025, the Indian Armed Forces launched "Operation Sindoor," a series of precision missile strikes targeting nine terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK). This operation was a direct response to the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people.
The operation, named 'Sindoor' by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is a reference to the red vermilion traditionally worn by married Hindu women. This alludes to the Pahalgam attack where the terrorists separated men from women, executed the men, and spared the women, leaving them to relay the incident.
The strikes, executed with precision by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, utilized special munitions and involved significant troop and asset mobilization. According to the Defence Ministry, all nine targeted sites were linked to terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen. These groups have a history of orchestrating terror plots and infiltration attempts against India. The targeted locations included Muridke and Bahawalpur, known strongholds of LeT and Jaish-e-Mohammed, respectively. Other locations included Markaz Subhan Allah in Bahawalpur and Syedna Bilal Camp in Muzaffarabad.
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh stated that the operation aimed to deliver justice to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. The selection of targets was based on credible intelligence inputs, focusing on facilities involved in perpetrating terror activities. The locations were carefully chosen to avoid damage to civilian infrastructure and loss of civilian lives.
The Indian Army also released a video showcasing its combat readiness just minutes before launching the strikes. The footage, filled with dramatic visuals and powerful messaging, was aimed at enemies plotting across the Line of Control (LoC). Visuals sourced from Pakistani social media accounts showed the aftermath of the strikes, with large orange glows and smoke visible in the distance.
In response to the strikes, the Pakistan Army resorted to heavy mortar shelling on forward villages along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch and Rajouri. Officials reported shelling from Krishna Ghati, Shahpur and Mankote in Poonch, Laam, Manjakote and Gambeer Brahmana in Rajouri district. Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar claimed that the Indian attacks killed eight people and injured more than 35, further alleging that five areas were attacked, including two mosques. Pakistan has vowed a robust response to what it calls an "act of war".
The United Nations Security Council discussed the rising tensions between India and Pakistan in closed-door consultations, with envoys calling for de-escalation and dialogue.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar issued a stern global call, stating, “The world must show zero tolerance for terrorism". The Indian Army, after the strikes, stated "Justice is served" in a post on X.
