In response to a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, Indian forces conducted retaliatory strikes across the Line of Control (LoC) between May 7 and May 10, resulting in the deaths of 35 to 40 Pakistani soldiers. The Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt. Gen. Rajiv Ghai confirmed the operation, dubbed "Operation Sindoor," during a joint press briefing in New Delhi.
Lt. Gen. Ghai stated that the strikes were a direct response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the loss of lives of several Indian security personnel. He also mentioned that India lost five soldiers during Operation Sindoor. The operation, which commenced on the night of May 7, caught Pakistani forces by surprise.
During the operation, Indian forces successfully neutralized over 100 terrorists, including key operatives involved in planning and executing cross-border terrorism. High-value targets such as Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf, and Mudasir Ahmed were among those eliminated. The Indian Army displayed before and after pictures of terror targets destroyed on May 7. Air Marshal A K Bharti displayed the photos of terror infrastructure targets which had been destroyed during the strikes in Muridke, Pakistan.
The Indian military officers said that nine terror targets were identified after careful deliberations and were hit using precision weapons. The strikes also targeted key terror hubs and critical military infrastructure across the LoC.
Air Marshal A.K. Bharti noted a concerted effort by the adversary to target airfields and critical logistical infrastructure using drones and aircraft on the night of May 9–10. However, he stated that India ensured that there was no damage to intended targets.
The Indian Army stated that they achieved total surprise and had to make a compelling statement after the Pahalgam terror attack, which led to the deaths of 26 people. Border villages in Kashmir, from Uri in Baramulla to Gurez in Bandipore, are slowly returning to normality.
US President Donald Trump took credit for the ceasefire and said he would work with both countries to find a solution concerning Kashmir.
