In a significant military operation, India has launched airstrikes against terrorist hideouts located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as part of 'Operation Sindoor'. This action, which occurred on the night of May 6-7, 2025, was a direct response to the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, including 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen.
The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced that a total of nine terrorist locations were targeted during this operation. Notably, the MoD emphasized that no Pakistani military installations were struck; the focus remained solely on terrorist camps. The ministry stated, "Some time ago, the Indian armed forces initiated 'Operation Sindoor' and targeted terrorist infrastructure from where attacks against India are plotted." This clearly indicates India's commitment to punishing those responsible for the Pahalgam attack.
"We promised that those responsible for this attack would be held accountable," the MoD reiterated, highlighting the precision and calculated nature of the strikes, which were described as concentrated, restrained, and non-escalatory. The operation was executed with meticulous planning, ensuring that only terrorist locations were targeted.
The airstrikes, which occurred around 1:30 AM, were reported to have completely destroyed several terrorist hideouts. Videos circulating on social media purportedly show the aftermath of the strikes, with flames and smoke visible, although the extent of the damage in Pakistan remains unconfirmed.
Following the operation, the Indian Army held a press conference on May 7 to provide further details, while a cabinet meeting was scheduled for May 8 to discuss the implications of the strikes. In Pakistan, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif convened a meeting of the National Security Committee, expressing concerns over the airstrikes, which he labeled as cowardly attacks on Pakistani soil. He asserted that Pakistan retains the right to respond and that the nation stands united against such aggressions.
Sharif stated, "Pakistan has the full right to respond to this act of war being imposed upon us, and a response is being formulated." His comments reflect the heightened tensions following India's military actions.
In the wake of the Pahalgam attack, which was claimed by The Resistance Force (TRF), a group linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, there was a surge of anger and grief across India, leading to increased calls for decisive action against terrorism. The Indian government made it clear that it would not tolerate attacks on its citizens and would take necessary measures to ensure national security.
Operation Sindoor has been interpreted as a strong message of India’s 'zero tolerance' policy towards terrorism. The operation is particularly significant as it targeted two hideouts that were previously missed during the Balakot airstrike, indicating a shift in India's approach to counter-terrorism operations.
Sources suggest that the Indian military is now in a proactive stance against terrorism, with indications that it is prepared for cross-border action if necessary. The targeted locations included Bahawalpur, which is known as the headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed, as well as sites associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jamaat-ud-Dawa.
As the situation unfolds, the international community is closely monitoring the developments. The United States has also weighed in, with former President Donald Trump commenting on the airstrikes. He noted that based on past experiences, he expected India to take action, stating, "I knew India would do something. People have been aware for a long time that something was going to happen. They have been fighting for decades and centuries."
In summary, India’s Operation Sindoor represents a significant escalation in its military response to terrorism emanating from Pakistan. The strikes not only targeted terrorist hideouts but also served as a statement of intent that India will take all necessary measures to protect its citizens from future attacks. The aftermath of these actions will likely shape the geopolitical landscape in the region and could lead to further escalations.
