In a swift military response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians, India launched Operation Sindoor, a coordinated strike targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation, carried out in the early hours of Wednesday, May 7, targeted nine high-value locations identified through intelligence inputs. Indian officials emphasized that civilian infrastructure was deliberately avoided during the strikes.

The military operation began at 1:05 a.m. and concluded by 1:30 a.m. It was briefed to the media by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. They detailed the surgical nature of the operation and reaffirmed that the targets were linked to terrorist networks believed to be responsible for recent cross-border violence.

In response, Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that while Pakistan does not intend to initiate hostilities, it would not hesitate to respond to any further aggression. Speaking to Bloomberg Television, Asif said, “We’ll never initiate anything hostile towards India. But if we're attacked, we'll respond.” He added that tensions could be defused if India steps back, asserting Pakistan’s readiness to “wrap up” the standoff should India de-escalate.

The international community has begun efforts to prevent further escalation. The United States has stepped in diplomatically, with its Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker meeting Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to discuss de-escalation. The US State Department also confirmed it is actively engaged with both sides to calm tensions, emphasizing diplomacy over military confrontation. In addition to the U.S., China and Russia have expressed concern over the rising hostilities and called for restraint from both nations to maintain regional stability. 

Disclaimer: This image is taken from mint.