On May 7, 2025, India executed a significant military operation named "Operation Sindoor," targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This operation was a direct response to the Pahalgam terror attack that occurred on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. The operation marked one of the most extensive cross-border strikes by Indian forces since the Balakot airstrikes in 2019.
The strikes were described as precise and intelligence-driven, employing advanced military technology, including loitering munitions and Kamikaze drones. The Indian Army collaborated with the Air Force to successfully neutralize key terrorist figures affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, two of the most notorious terrorist organizations operating from Pakistan.
Among those killed were five high-profile terrorists, including Mudassar Khadian Khas, also known as Abu Jundal, who was affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba. He played a crucial role in managing operations at the Markaz Taiba in Muridke, a training camp known for producing several terrorists involved in attacks against India. His funeral received significant attention, as it was attended by high-ranking officials from the Pakistan Army, including a serving Lieutenant General and the Inspector General of Punjab Police. Wreaths were laid on behalf of the Pakistan Army Chief and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, highlighting the controversial nexus between the Pakistani state and terrorist organizations.
Another significant figure eliminated was Hafiz Muhammed Jameel, the eldest brother-in-law of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar. Jameel was in charge of operations at Markaz Subhan Allah in Bahawalpur and was involved in radicalizing youth and fundraising for the terrorist outfit. His role in JeM's financial operations made him a key target for Indian forces.
Mohammad Yusuf Azhar, known by several aliases including Ustad Ji and Ghosi Sahab, was also killed during the operation. He was responsible for JeM's weapons training programs and had connections to various terrorist attacks in Jammu & Kashmir. Notably, Azhar was wanted in the IC-814 hijacking case, which brought international attention to his activities.
Additionally, Khalid, also referred to as Abu Akasha, was confirmed dead. He was involved in orchestrating multiple terrorist operations in Jammu & Kashmir and was reportedly engaged in smuggling weapons from Afghanistan. His funeral, held in Faisalabad, was attended by senior military officials, further emphasizing the ongoing support for these terrorist figures within Pakistan.
The fifth terrorist killed was Mohammad Hassan Khan, the son of Mufti Asghar Khan Kashmiri, the operational commander of JeM in PoK. Khan was instrumental in planning terrorist operations in Jammu & Kashmir, making him a significant figure in the ongoing conflict.
The government reported that at least 100 terrorists were killed during Operation Sindoor, a number that underscores the scale and impact of the operation. This military action was not only a retaliation for the Pahalgam attack but also a demonstration of India's resolve to dismantle terrorist infrastructure across the border. The operation involved a multi-domain assault that lasted approximately 25 minutes, utilizing air, naval, and ground-based platforms to strike high-value terror launchpads.
Officials noted that the strikes were carefully coordinated and based on actionable intelligence, with each target verified before engagement. This level of precision highlights the advancements in India's military capabilities and the strategic approach taken in countering cross-border terrorism.
In the aftermath of the operation, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a meeting with top defense officials, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, to discuss the implications of the operation and the ongoing security situation. This meeting came in response to a fresh wave of attacks from Pakistan, indicating a continued escalation in tensions between the two nations.
As the situation evolves, the international community watches closely, aware that the conflict between India and Pakistan has far-reaching implications for regional stability. The events surrounding Operation Sindoor may serve as a turning point in how India approaches its security strategy against terrorism emanating from its neighbor.
Operation Sindoor, therefore, represents not just a military response but a broader narrative of India's struggle against terrorism, as it seeks to protect its citizens and maintain national security in the face of ongoing threats.
