Operation Sindoor: India Strikes Back at Terror Camps in Pakistan
In a dramatic turn of events that has gripped South Asia, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 6, 2025 — a high-precision, cross-border military strike targeting terrorist infrastructure inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This swift operation was a direct retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 innocent civilians, including Hindu pilgrims, lost their lives in a brutal assault that India blames on Pakistan-based terror outfits.
Why Operation Sindoor Was Launched
The Indian government accused Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, both headquartered in Pakistan, of orchestrating the Pahalgam attack. In response, the Indian Air Force carried out a tightly coordinated strike against nine terrorist hubs, including sites in Bahawalpur, Muzaffarabad, and Sialkot. These locations have long been suspected of harboring militant training facilities.
The Operation: Swift, Precise, and Strategic
According to official sources, the Indian Air Force utilized its advanced Rafale fighter jets armed with SCALP missiles and Hammer bombs. What makes this operation particularly significant is that it was executed without Indian aircraft crossing into Pakistani airspace — a strategic maneuver demonstrating India’s evolving airstrike capabilities.
The entire operation lasted a mere 23 minutes, yet it dealt a substantial blow to the infrastructure and operatives of militant networks. India claims over 70 terrorists were killed, while Pakistan has acknowledged civilian casualties and property damage, branding the strike as an “act of war.”
Pakistan’s Response and Rising Tensions
Predictably, Pakistan retaliated with heavy mortar shelling across the Line of Control (LoC) and claimed it shot down several Indian aircraft — claims that India has denied. The situation has led to a severe escalation in border tensions, with the risk of further military exchanges looming large.
Global Reaction: Caution and Concern
World powers, including the United Nations and the United States, have expressed concern over the flare-up between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for restraint and diplomacy, while global leaders urged both sides to avoid further escalation.
Strategic and Political Significance
Operation Sindoor is arguably India’s most significant military operation on Pakistani soil since the 1971 war, setting a new precedent in its counter-terrorism doctrine. For India, it marks a turning point in how it handles cross-border threats. For the region, it highlights the urgent need for de-escalation, dialogue, and a long-term solution to the Kashmir dispute.