On the night of May 6-7, India launched unprecedented missile strikes against terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) under Operation Sindoor. This operation was planned in response to the Pulwama terrorist attack on April 22 in Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 innocent tourists.
Indian Army Operation Sindoor: The Indian Army completely destroyed the launch pads of terrorist masterminds operating from Pakistani soil against India. On the night of May 6-7, the Indian Army carried out precise, successive strikes under ‘Operation Sindoor’ against nine terrorist bases located in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), neutralizing them.
According to intelligence sources, the operation targeted approximately 900 terrorists from notorious groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. This action was taken in response to the horrific terrorist attack in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which brutally murdered 26 innocent tourists.
This heinous act ignited outrage across the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a b response to the attack from the soil of Bihar. He unequivocally stated that terrorists and their accomplices would be found and eliminated from anywhere in the world. Keeping this resolve, India executed ‘Operation Sindoor’ within just 15 days, delivering a decisive blow against terrorism.
Key Highlights of Operation Sindoor
1. Locations of Strikes: India targeted a total of 9 major terrorist bases
- Bahawalpur
- Muridke
- Muzaffarabad
- Kotli
- Gulpur
- Bhimber
- Chak Amru
- Sialkot
- Barnala
2. Key Actions and Weapons: India launched missile strikes from within its own territory.
- Rafale fighter jets, LMS drones, Pinaka rockets, and the S-400 air defense system were deployed.
- Missile strikes were conducted between 1:28 AM and 1:32 AM.
- The strikes targeted over 900 terrorists from Lashkar, Jaish, and Hizbul.
3. Numbers and Estimates
- India confirmed the deaths of 30 to 100 terrorists. Intelligence sources suggest the number could be higher than 100.
- The highest number of terrorists (~250) were present in Bahawalpur.
- Precise strikes destroyed Lashkar's headquarters and the locations of Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar.
India's Statement
India clarified that the strikes targeted only terrorist bases, and neither Pakistani soldiers nor civilians were targeted. NSA Ajit Doval and PM Modi directly oversaw the entire operation. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the three armed forces.
International Response
India informed the US, Russia, and other countries about the operation. Statements from the US Secretary of State and President indicated that they were monitoring the situation.
Pakistan's Response
The ISPR and PM Shehbaz Sharif confirmed India's actions. Pakistan initiated shelling across the LoC, which India responded to decisively. Pakistan shut down internet services and closed airports.
Alert in India
- High alert in border areas like Jammu, Srinagar, and Pathankot.
- Several flights to border areas were cancelled.
- All armed forces on high alert.
Action Taken Against These Bases
These bases were targeted by the Indian Armed Forces under Operation Sindoor in Pakistan PoK.
- Markaz Subhan Allah, Bahawalpur
- Markaz Tayyaba, Muridke
- Sarjal/Tehran Kalan
- Mahmoona Joya Facility, Sialkot
- Markaz Ahle Hadith Barnala, Bhimber
- Markaz Abbas, Kotli
- Maskar Raheel Shahid, located in Kotli district.
- Shawai Nala Camp in Muzaffarabad
- Markaz Sayedna Bilal
Operation Sindoor was not merely a military operation, but a demonstration of India's strategic resolve against terrorism and a global message that terrorism will not be tolerated anywhere. India made it clear that it will go to any lengths to protect its citizens.
