In a significant development, the Indian Armed Forces launched "Operation Sindoor" on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, targeting terrorist infrastructure inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The operation, which involved precision missile strikes, comes as a response to the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22, where 26 people were killed.

The Indian government stated that the strikes were a targeted action against terror infrastructure and that no Pakistani military facilities were targeted. According to probe agencies, the terror camps targeted are linked to various banned outfits, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and Hizbul Mujahideen. Sources indicate that the strikes on all nine terror infrastructures were successfully neutralized.

Initial reports suggest that nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir were targeted. These locations include areas in Muridke and Bahawalpur, known to be strongholds of LeT and JeM, respectively. Some reports also mention strikes in the Subhanullah mosque in Bahawalpur's Ahmed East area, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad.

According to reports, the Indian military used precision munitions and loitering drones in the operation. The action is said to have been carefully calibrated, with a focus on minimizing airspace breach and escalation risks.

While details are still emerging, some Pakistani officials have stated that Indian missile attacks on six locations resulted in casualties and have promised a strong response. However, Indian sources claim that over 70 terrorists were killed and more than 60 wounded in the strikes, significantly degrading the operational capability of these groups.

The Indian Army, in a post on X, stated, "Justice is served". Home Minister Amit Shah expressed pride in the armed forces, reiterating the government's resolve to respond firmly to any attack on India and its people.

Several airports in northern India were temporarily shut down in the early hours of Wednesday as the strikes were carried out.

Operation Sindoor differs from the Balakot strike in 2019 in several ways. While Balakot targeted a single JeM training camp, Operation Sindoor involved strikes on multiple, geographically dispersed terror sites, including areas deeper inside Pakistan. The operation also showcased a higher operational tempo, with all nine strikes occurring within minutes, and a "zero intrusion strategy" using standoff weapons.

The name "Operation Sindoor" itself is symbolic. Sindoor is the word for vermilion, a mark worn by married Hindu women, and is a reference to the Pahalgam attack where, according to India Today, "men, including those newly married, were singled out on the basis of their religion and killed by terrorists".

Tensions between India and Pakistan have been escalating since the Pahalgam attack, which India has blamed on Pakistan. Pakistan has denied any involvement. The operation has led to a mixed international reaction, with some countries urging restraint and de-escalation.