Following India's strikes during Operation Sindoor, reports indicate that over 150 terrorists have been killed in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). This operation was launched in response to the terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir’s Anantnag on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people.
Operation Sindoor: A Response to Terror
The Indian military conducted precision strikes, targeting terror launchpads and infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK. The operation aimed to dismantle terror networks responsible for planning and executing attacks against India. According to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the strikes were carried out with "unimaginable" precision, ensuring minimal collateral damage.
Initial reports suggested that over 70 terrorists were killed and more than 60 wounded in the strikes. However, recent updates indicate that the death toll has exceeded 100. Some reports even claim that over 150 terrorists were killed during Operation Sindoor. Among those reportedly killed was Masood Azhar's brother, a mastermind of the Kandahar plane hijack, according to BJP sources. Maulana Masood Azhar, chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), claimed that 10 members of his family and four of his aides were killed in the strikes.
Targets and Tactics
India reportedly struck nine terror bases in Pakistan and PoK, including strongholds of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and JeM. These locations included Muridke and Bahawalpur. The targets included headquarters and training camps of these terrorist groups. India utilized precision weapons like the SCALP missile and HAMMER bomb in the synchronized 25-minute strike.
Pakistan's Response and International Reactions
Pakistan has condemned the Indian strikes, claiming that they targeted civilians and religious sites. The Pakistani military stated that at least 31 civilians were killed and dozens more were injured in the attacks. They also claimed to have shot down multiple Indian military planes, a claim that India has not confirmed. Pakistan's National Security Committee authorized its armed forces to retaliate against India.
In response to India's strikes, the Pakistani military attempted to target military targets across 15 cities in Northern and Western India using drones and missiles on Thursday night. However, the Defence Ministry said that the attempts were foiled, and a Pakistani air defence system in Lahore was destroyed.
The European Union condemned the initial terror attack in Pahalgam and offered to work with both India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions. The U.S. Consulate General in Lahore directed its staff to shelter in place amid reports of drone explosions and possible airspace incursions.
Ongoing Tensions and Preparedness
Tensions between India and Pakistan remain high following Operation Sindoor. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that Operation Sindoor is an "ongoing operation," indicating that the Indian military is prepared to respond to any further escalation by Pakistan. He also asserted that India would respond forcefully if Pakistan retaliates.
In light of the heightened tensions, security drills have been conducted across 244 districts in India. Punjab has ordered a complete blackout in the Gurdaspur district. The Border Security Force has also stopped the daily evening ceremonial retreat ceremonies at border check posts in Punjab.
