India launches Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and PoK in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack.

On May 6, 2025, India initiated a military operation named Operation Sindoor, launching missile strikes on nine sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. This action was in response to the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 Hindu tourists. The Indian government attributed the attack to Pakistan-based militants, specifically the Resistance Front, an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba.

Key Objectives and Strategies

The primary objective of Operation Sindoor was to dismantle terrorist infrastructure linked to groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. The Indian Ministry of Defence emphasized that the strikes were “focused, measured, and non-escalatory,” targeting facilities without hitting Pakistani military installations. The operation aimed to send a strong message against cross-border terrorism while avoiding direct confrontation with Pakistan’s armed forces.

Execution and Coordination

The Indian Armed Forces conducted 24 precision missile strikes on six locations, including Muzaffarabad and Kotli in Pakistani-administered Kashmir, and Bahawalpur in Pakistan’s Punjab province. The strikes were carried out without Indian aircraft entering Pakistani airspace, utilizing long-range missiles to minimize the risk of escalation. Despite these precautions, the attacks led to significant damage, including explosions and power outages in the targeted regions.

Impact and Outcomes

The missile strikes resulted in at least nine civilian deaths and 38 injuries in Pakistan, according to Pakistani authorities. In retaliation, Pakistan claimed to have shot down five Indian fighter jets and destroyed an Indian brigade headquarters. The Pakistani military also reported capturing an unknown number of Indian soldiers. The confrontation led to intense artillery exchanges along the Line of Control, flight disruptions, and airspace closures. International bodies, including the United Nations and the United States, have called for restraint from both nations to prevent further escalation.

Conclusion

Operation Sindoor marks a significant escalation in the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict, highlighting the fragile security situation in the Kashmir region. While India aims to assert its stance against terrorism, the operation has led to increased tensions and international concern. The situation remains fluid, with both countries on high alert and diplomatic efforts underway to de-escalate the crisis.