In a carefully calibrated, 25-minute military operation named Operation Sindoor, India launched missile and drone strikes early Wednesday, targeting nine terrorist camps located in Pakistans Punjab province and Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir (PoJK). According to officials, this was India’s first strike in Pakistan’s Punjab region since the 1971 war and was carried out as a “measured and non-escalatory” response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which had cross-border links. The targets included camps associated with banned terrorist groups Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Hizbul Mujahideen. Officials estimate that 70–80 terrorists were killed, including 10 relatives of JeM chief Masood Azhar and four of his close associates. One of the main targets was JeM’s headquarters at Markaz Subhan in Bahawalpur.

Following the strikes, Pakistan retaliated with artillery shelling in Poonch and Tangdhar, resulting in the deaths of 15 civilians and injuries to 43 more, according to Indian military reports. Indias National Security Advisor Ajit Doval briefed top international counterparts, including officials from the US, UK, Russia, China, France, Japan, and Middle Eastern nations, reiterating that India does not seek escalation but is prepared to respond if provoked. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated the action was proportionate and focused on justice for the victims of the Pahalgam attack. He also underscored the lack of any credible action by Pakistan against terror infrastructure within its territory.

Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh detailed the operation, noting that it involved 24 precision strikes using advanced weapons with minimal risk of collateral damage. The operation specifically avoided targeting any Pakistani military installations. The Indian government emphasized that Operation Sindoor was a justified response to prevent further cross-border terrorism. It cited intelligence suggesting more attacks were being planned. The operation was named “Sindoor” to symbolize the loss experienced by women widowed in the Pahalgam attack. Global reactions were mixed but cautious: the US urged quick de-escalation, the UN called for military restraint, and other nations including China and Russia expressed concern. Pakistan’s leadership had a divided tone—while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called it an “act of war,” the Defence Minister signaled openness to de-escalation.

In India, the political spectrum largely praised the military’s swift and precise action. Prime Minister Modi, who personally oversaw the operation, cancelled a planned foreign trip due to the tense situation. Meanwhile, increased security and civil defence drills continued across the country, and travel advisories were issued by multiple foreign embassies warning of potential risk in conflict-affected areas.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from APPTI.