NEW DELHI – On May 7, 2025, the Indian Armed Forces carried out a high-precision military operation dubbed Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terrorist facilities across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK). The strikes were launched in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
According to an official government release, the strikes focused exclusively on terrorist infrastructure and avoided Pakistani military installations. The targeted camps were reportedly linked to banned terrorist outfits, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and Hizbul Mujahideen.
Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar stated that the world must adopt “zero tolerance” toward terrorism, emphasizing the legitimacy of India’s actions. The Ministry of Defence confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that the strikes were intended to dismantle key cross-border terror hubs. The operation was a joint effort by the Army, Navy, and Air Force using advanced weapon systems, including loitering munitions.
Nine Targets of Operation Sindoor:
- Markaz Subhan Allah, Bahawalpur
- Markaz Taiba, Muridke
- Sarjal/Tehra Kalan, Bahawalpur
- Mehmoona Zoya Facility, Sialkot
- Markaz Ahle Hadith Barnala, Bhimber
- Markaz Abbas, Kotli
- Masqar Raheel Shahid, Kotli district
- Shawai Nala Qaim, Muzaffarabad
- Markaz Syedna Bilal, Muzaffarabad
In response, Pakistan launched mortar shelling on forward areas along the Line of Control (LoC), affecting villages in Poonch and Rajouri districts, including Krishna Ghati, Shahpur, Mankote, Laam, Manjakote, and Gambeer Brahmana.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar condemned the Indian strikes, alleging they targeted civilian populations in Muridke, Bahawalpur, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad and posed risks to commercial air traffic. He characterized the actions as violations of Pakistan’s sovereignty.
India’s embassy in Washington defended the operation, describing it as a “measured, responsible, and non-escalatory” response necessitated by Pakistan’s inaction against terror groups. Indian leaders, including Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, hailed the armed forces’ action. Singh tweeted, “Bharat Mata Ki Jai!” underscoring national support for the military strike.