🇮🇳 Operation Sindoor: India Strikes Back After Pahalgam Terror Attack

In a bold and highly coordinated move, India carried out targeted airstrikes deep inside Pakistani territory, hitting multiple terror launchpads in one of its most significant counter-terror operations in recent years. Codenamed Operation Sindoor, the mission was executed with surgical precision, drawing global attention and prompting diplomatic responses from across the world.

Backed by advanced technology and detailed intelligence, the strikes were designed to eliminate terror infrastructure while avoiding military escalation. Government officials emphasized that no Pakistani military facilities were hit, and the operation was “focused, measured, and non-escalatory in nature.”

What Triggered the Operation?

The operation followed the brutal massacre in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where unarmed Hindu tourists were ambushed by terrorists. Intelligence agencies traced the attack back to two Pakistan-based terrorist groups — Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who chaired multiple high-level security meetings in the aftermath, had vowed that “India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their backers.” Operation Sindoor was the fulfilment of that commitment.

Also read, List of Wars Between India and Pakisthan

Operation Sindoor: What Happened?

The first hint of military action came through a cryptic five-word post by the Indian Army on X :

“Justice is served. Jai Hind!“

This was followed by a video showing Indian troops in combat drills, captioned:

“प्रहाराय सन्निहिताः, जयाय प्रशिक्षिताः”
Ready to Strike, Trained to Win.#IndianArmy pic.twitter.com/M9CA9dv1Xx

— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) May 6, 2025

“Ready to strike, trained to win.“

Soon after, the Indian government issued a short statement, asserting:

“No Pakistani military facilities were targeted. Our actions have been focused, measured, and non-escalatory in nature.“

Meanwhile, the Indian embassy in Washington released a more detailed statement, citing credible leads linking the Pahalgam attack to Pakistan-based operatives — a move aimed at shaping international opinion and securing backing from the United States and other allies.

Key Targets and Weapons Used

India targeted nine high-value terror sites, including:

• Bahawalpur – JeM’s stronghold

• Muridke – Lashkar-e-Taiba headquarters

• Muzaffarabad

• Sialkot

• Kotli

• Chak Amru

• Bagh

• Bhimber

• Gulpur

These strikes were carried out using Rafale fighter jets armed with SCALP cruise missiles and HAMMER bombs — both high-precision air-to-ground munitions capable of striking fortified targets deep inside enemy territory.

Notably, Indian jets did not cross the international border or the Line of Control, highlighting the operation’s precision and strategic restraint.

Pakistan’s Reaction and Cross-Border Firing

In retaliation, the Pakistani Army initiated artillery fire along the Poonch-Rajouri sector of the Line of Control (LoC), killing three Indian civilians. This marked the 13th consecutive day of ceasefire violations by Pakistan.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said his country has every right to give a “befitting reply to this act of war imposed by India.” “The Pakistani nation and the Pakistani armed forces know how to deal with the enemy very well,” he said.

Civilian Impact in India

In light of possible escalation, India suspended operations at several northern airports:

• Airports Closed: Dharamshala, Leh, Jammu, Srinagar, Amritsar

• Flight Restrictions: No civilian flights from Srinagar Airport today

• Security Lockdowns: Schools and colleges in several areas of Kashmir are shut

International Diplomacy and Global Response

India swiftly reached out to key global players, including:

• United States

• Russia

• United Kingdom

• Saudi Arabia

U.S. President Donald Trump reacted to the operation saying:

“This is a shame… I knew something was going to happen.“

While urging both nations to show restraint, the international community acknowledged India’s right to self-defense in light of the Pahalgam attack.

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