In response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22nd, which resulted in the loss of 26 lives, India launched "Operation Sindoor," conducting precision missile strikes on terrorist infrastructure within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The operation, which lasted approximately 25 minutes, targeted nine terror facilities.

Key Aspects of Operation Sindoor:

• Targets: The strikes focused on terrorist infrastructure, specifically targeting organizations like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM). These groups have been implicated in planning and executing attacks against India. India reported hitting nine sites. Five of the nine sites struck were in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The remaining four were in Punjab – in Bahawalpur, Muridke, Shakar Garh and a village near Sialkot.
• Justification: India has stated that the operation was a direct response to the Pahalgam attack and aimed to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and prevent future attacks. According to Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, "Operation Sindoor was launched to deliver justice to the victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack".
• Indian Perspective: India has characterized the strikes as "focused, measured, and non-escalatory," emphasizing that no Pakistani military facilities were targeted. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called Operation Sindoor a success, praising the armed forces for their precision and skill.
• Pakistani Response: Pakistan has condemned the strikes as an "unprovoked attack, targeting innocent people". They claim that 26 civilians were killed and 46 injured, alleging that mosques and residential areas were targeted. Pakistan's National Security Council has authorized its armed forces to retaliate "at a time, place, and manner of its choosing". Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that Islamabad is "trying to avoid" a full-fledged war.
• Indian Preparedness: New Delhi has asserted its readiness to retaliate if Pakistan escalates the situation. Wing Commander Vyomika Singh stated that the Indian Armed Forces are fully prepared to respond to any Pakistani "misadventure".
• Global Reactions: The international community has called for restraint and dialogue between India and Pakistan. The UK has urged both countries to engage in direct dialogue to find a diplomatic path forward. Some countries, including the US, the UK, and China, have cautioned their citizens against traveling to certain regions in India and Pakistan.
• Airspace Restrictions: India has reportedly shut down approximately 25 flight routes used for aircraft entering Pakistan through Indian airspace. Several international airlines have begun avoiding Pakistani airspace amid rising tensions.
• Internal Measures: Mock drills have been carried out across India to test civilian defense preparedness. A blackout was enforced in Jaisalmer between midnight and 4 AM.

Specific Targets and Claims:

• Bahawalpur: Pakistan claims that four Indian missiles struck Ahmedpur Sharqia, near Bahawalpur, destroying a mosque and damaging residential quarters, resulting in casualties. India asserts that it hit the headquarters of JeM, called Markaz Subhanallah, describing it as a hub for recruitment, training, and indoctrination. Masood Azhar, the chief of JeM, acknowledged that 10 members of his family and four close associates were killed in the attack on the outfit's headquarters in Bahawalpur.
• Sialkot: The Indian Army reported destroying the Mehmoona Joya Terrorist Camp, a key training center of Hizbul Mujahideen, located 12 km from the International Border.

Casualties and Damage:

• Pakistan's Claims: Pakistan has stated that at least 26 civilians have been killed and 46 injured in the strikes.
• India's Claims: Sources suggest that more than 70 terrorists were killed and over 60 wounded in the strikes.
• Border Shelling: Fifteen civilians have reportedly been killed and 43 injured in artillery fire by the Pakistan Army in Poonch and Tangdhar. An Indian Army soldier, Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar, was killed in action during Pakistani shelling in the Poonch sector.

Operation Sindoor has led to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, with both sides making conflicting claims about the targets and impact of the strikes. The international community is urging restraint and dialogue to prevent further escalation.