In a significant victory for India's counter-terrorism efforts, Operation Sindoor has resulted in the elimination of over 100 terrorists, including key figures involved in the 1999 IC-814 hijacking and the 2019 Pulwama attack. The operation, launched in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror massacre that killed 26 civilians, targeted terrorist infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
The Indian Armed Forces conducted precision air and artillery strikes on nine terrorist camps between May 7 and May 10. These strikes were aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure and neutralizing terrorists who have been involved in major attacks against India. Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, along with Air Marshal AK Bharti, and Vice Admiral AN Pramod, detailed the impact of the retaliatory strikes.
Among the terrorists killed were Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf, and Mudasir Ahmed. Yusuf Azhar, also known as Mohd Salim, was linked to the IC-814 hijacking and was the brother-in-law of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar. Abdul Malik Rauf was a high-ranking commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Mudasir Ahmed was a senior Lashkar operative in charge of Markaz Taiba in Muridke, the headquarters of the terrorist outfit. These individuals were high-value targets with confirmed involvement in past terror operations against India.
Operation Sindoor is considered the most expansive military operation conducted by the Indian armed forces since the 1971 War. Unlike previous operations, such as the 2016 surgical strikes and the 2019 Balakot airstrike, Operation Sindoor was a multi-domain, high-precision offensive spread across Pakistan's Punjab province and PoK. The operation involved precision strikes targeting nine sites linked to anti-India terrorist groups such as LeT, JeM, and Hizbul Mujahideen. The targeted sites included Muridke (LeT headquarters) and Bahawalpur (JeM headquarters).
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has successfully executed its assigned tasks in Operation Sindoor. The operations were conducted in a deliberate and discreet manner, aligned with national objectives. Indian forces successfully bypassed or jammed Pakistan’s air defense grid. Indian Rafale jets equipped with SCALP missiles and HAMMER bombs executed the mission without any reported losses, demonstrating technological and strategic superiority.
The operation also resulted in casualties to Pakistan's military forces, destroying several of their advanced fighter aircraft and striking important military sites. India has made it clear that neither the Line of Control (LoC) nor internal Pakistani geography is off-limits if terror emanates from its soil. Through its strikes, India has proved to the world that every inch of Pakistan was under reach.
The international response to Operation Sindoor has been cautious. While acknowledging India's security concerns, some countries have urged restraint. However, several countries, including the USA, UK, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and UAE, have supported India's position.
Operation Sindoor sends a strong message that India will not stay silent in the face of terrorism and will act when needed, but always with care. The operation has drawn a red line that Pakistan can no longer ignore - that terrorism as a state policy will trigger targeted, visible consequences. India has demonstrated the evolving nature of modern air defense and its resolve to defend its people.
