Nation

IIE DIGITAL DESK : New Delhi, May 7, 2025 — In a decisive military operation named "Operation Sindoor," the Indian Armed Forces launched precision strikes against nine identified terrorist camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in the early hours of Wednesday. The operation was a direct response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 Indian civilians.

At a joint press conference held at 10:35 AM IST, representatives from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Ministry of External Affairs provided detailed insights into the operation. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force led the briefing, marking a significant moment as two women officers addressed the nation on a critical security matter.

Colonel Qureshi emphasized that the targets were selected based on credible intelligence, ensuring that only terrorist infrastructures were hit. She stated, "No Pakistani military installations were targeted, and there were no civilian casualties reported." The operation aimed to dismantle terror networks without escalating tensions further 

The strikes reportedly resulted in the elimination of approximately 70 terrorists, including high-value targets associated with groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. Notably, among those killed were ten family members and four aides of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar, as confirmed by Indian intelligence sources .

The Indian Air Force deployed Rafale jets equipped with SCALP missiles and AASM Hammer bombs to carry out the 23-minute-long operation. The strikes were conducted without entering Pakistani airspace, showcasing India's advanced military capabilities and commitment to avoiding unnecessary escalation.

In response to the operation, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened a high-level security meeting. Pakistan condemned the strikes as an "act of war," alleging civilian casualties and damage to non-military structures. However, India has firmly denied these claims, reiterating that the operation was a targeted response to terrorist threats..

The international community has expressed concern over the escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The United Nations has called for restraint, and a UN team has reportedly visited the strike sites in Pakistan's Muzaffarabad to assess the situation..

Domestically, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the operation as a "proud moment for all of us," emphasizing India's resolve to combat terrorism. The government has scheduled an all-party meeting tomorrow at 11 AM to brief opposition leaders on the operation and discuss the national security situation.

As a precautionary measure, Prime Minister Modi's planned visits to Norway, Croatia, and the Netherlands have been postponed. The government is closely monitoring the situation and has assured citizens that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure national security.

Operation Sindoor underscores India's commitment to countering terrorism and protecting its citizens, while also striving to maintain regional stability and peace.