On May 7, 2025, Indian military forces conducted a series of airstrikes under the operation named "Operation Sindoor," targeting the terrorist infrastructure of the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) in Pakistan. This operation was a direct response to the brutal Pahalgam attack that occurred on April 27, where 26 individuals, including Indian tourists and one Nepali citizen, were murdered by Pakistan-based terrorists.
According to reports, the airstrikes resulted in the deaths of several family members and close associates of JeM chief Maulana Masood Azhar. Azhar himself confirmed that 10 of his family members and four of his aides were killed in the strikes, which primarily focused on the Markaz Subhan Allah facility located in Bahawalpur, Pakistan. This facility had been a significant center for JeM's operations and indoctrination.
During a press briefing, Indian Foreign Secretary Misri stated, "Our intelligence monitoring of Pakistan-based terrorist modules indicated that further attacks against India were impending." He emphasized that the strikes were both a deterrent and a preemptive measure aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure while minimizing escalation. Misri described the actions as "measured, non-escalatory, proportionate, and responsible," designed to neutralize threats without provoking further conflict.
The operation targeted nine sites linked to various terrorist organizations, including JeM, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. The Indian Air Force executed precise attacks on four locations within Pakistan and five in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, ensuring that military installations were not harmed. The Ministry of Defence stated that the operation was focused and deliberate, aimed at holding those responsible for the Pahalgam attack accountable.
Masood Azhar's statement detailed the tragic loss of his family members in the strikes. Among the deceased were his elder sister and her husband, a nephew and his wife, another niece, and five children from his extended family. Azhar expressed no regret over their deaths, stating, "I have neither regret nor despair. Rather, it comes to my heart again and again that I too would have joined this fourteen-member happy caravan." He referred to those killed as having become "the guests of Allah." This chilling declaration underscores the mindset of individuals entrenched in extremist ideologies.
The airstrikes have been described as one of the most significant military actions taken by India against terrorist infrastructure in recent years. Reports indicate that over 80 terrorists were neutralized during these coordinated strikes, with the most intense operations occurring in Bahawalpur, where Azhar's family members were reportedly killed. The Bahawalpur complex, known as the Usman-o-Ali campus, served as JeM's ideological and operational hub, housing facilities for indoctrination and recruitment.
Azhar's background is steeped in controversy and violence. Born in 1968 in Bahawalpur, he was previously a cleric with Harkat-ul-Mujahideen before being arrested by Indian authorities in 1994. Following his release in exchange for hostages during the hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC-814, Azhar founded JeM, which has since been implicated in numerous terrorist attacks across India, including the infamous 2001 Parliament attack and the 2019 Pulwama attack.
The United Nations designated Azhar as a global terrorist in May 2019, following a decade-long effort by India to have him blacklisted. His organization, JeM, has been responsible for orchestrating many of the most devastating attacks on Indian soil, and his continued presence in Pakistan remains a point of contention between the two nations.
In the aftermath of the strikes, Indian officials have expressed regret over civilian casualties but emphasized the necessity of the operation to combat terrorism. They highlighted the challenges of asymmetric warfare, where terrorist groups often operate within civilian populations, complicating efforts to avoid non-combatant casualties. Government sources noted that the collateral damage was restrained, attributing this to the use of precision-guided munitions and the timing of the strikes, which were conducted late at night to minimize civilian presence.
As the situation continues to unfold, analysts are closely monitoring the implications of Operation Sindoor on India-Pakistan relations and the broader security landscape in South Asia. The strikes are seen as a significant message to Pakistan regarding its failure to act against terrorism emanating from its territory. Misri pointed out that despite a fortnight having passed since the Pahalgam attacks, there has been "no demonstrable step" from Pakistan to address the terrorist infrastructure on its soil.
The operation's name, "Sindoor," carries symbolic weight, referencing the red vermilion traditionally worn by Hindu women, signifying marriage. This choice of name resonates deeply with the emotional impact of the Pahalgam attack, which became a tragic symbol of the violence faced by innocent civilians in the region.
As the dust settles from this military operation, the international community watches closely. The narrative surrounding civilian impact has shifted, with Pakistan reportedly inflating the numbers of casualties to garner sympathy. In contrast, India has maintained that its actions were necessary and justified, aimed at dismantling the very roots of terrorism threatening its sovereignty and security.
In conclusion, Operation Sindoor marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle against terrorism in South Asia. As India takes decisive action against terrorist elements, the repercussions of these strikes will likely reverberate throughout the region, influencing both domestic and international perspectives on security and counter-terrorism efforts.
