Following days of escalating tensions, the Indian armed forces have revealed details of precision strikes against key Pakistani airbases, codenamed "Operation Sindoor". This revelation comes as a ceasefire, brokered after talks between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both nations, is tentatively holding.
The strikes, which targeted vital installations including the Chaklala airbase in Islamabad and the Sargodha airfield, were a response to the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which claimed 26 lives. Indian officials have characterized Operation Sindoor as a necessary and proportionate action against persistent cross-border terrorism.
Air Marshal A.K. Bharti stated that the strikes aimed to send a clear message and were executed swiftly across Pakistan's western front. The operation specifically targeted F-16 bases, training institutes, air defense systems, and command centers crucial to Pakistan's air power. According to Air Marshal Bharti, the Indian Air Force (IAF) inflicted damage on Pakistani airbases immediately following Pakistan's violation of the ceasefire on May 10.
The strikes involved advanced air-launched cruise missiles (ALCMs), with possible use of BrahMos missiles. Imagery from KawaSpace, an Indian space analytics firm, confirmed a direct hit on a hangar at Pakistan Air Force's Bholari Airbase, showing debris and structural damage. The proximity of the strike to the runway suggested the targeted hangar's role in quick reaction alert (QRA). Another precision strike reportedly hit a hangar on the main apron at Shahbaz Airbase in Jacobabad, with possible secondary damage to the air traffic control (ATC) building. Sargodha Airbase was also targeted. Imagery from MizazVision, a Chinese satellite firm, indicated that Pakistan's Nur Khan Airbase was also struck, with the IAF focusing on disabling ground support vehicles and critical infrastructure.
Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, the Indian DGMO, stated that Pakistan violated the ceasefire agreement on Saturday, leading to a fitting response. He also revealed that over 100 terrorists, including high-value targets involved in the hijack of IC814 and the Pulwama blast, were eliminated during Operation Sindoor on May 7.
The DGMO-level talks that led to the ceasefire occurred after the Pakistani DGMO contacted his Indian counterpart on May 10, agreeing to halt all military operations from 5:00 PM IST. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that instructions were issued on both sides to implement the understanding, with another meeting between the DGMOs scheduled for May 12 to review the situation.
Tensions remain high despite the ceasefire. Following the ceasefire declaration, reported drone and UAV attacks on Indian cities prompted further action. The Indian military has been granted full authority for kinetic response to any violations of the DGMO agreement.
The Indian government has indicated a firm stance against terrorism, with sources stating that Operation Sindoor is not yet concluded and that a "new normal" exists in India's response to cross-border terrorism. India has also closed the door on diplomatic engagement with Pakistan outside of military channels.
The US played a role in de-escalating the situation, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaging with senior Indian and Pakistani officials.
While the ceasefire is a welcome development, the revelation of Operation Sindoor underscores the heightened tensions and the potential for continued conflict between the two nations. The upcoming DGMO talks on May 12 will be crucial in maintaining the ceasefire and preventing further escalation.
