Operation Sindoor: India's strong attack on Pakistan, revenge for Pahalgam attack, 100+ terrorists killed with 24 missiles, Jaish-Lashkar hideouts destroyed

New Delhi/Islamabad,: The Indian Army, responding to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025, carried out fierce air strikes on 9 terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and PoK under 'Operation Sindoor' on Tuesday-Wednesday night. 24 missiles were fired in this operation, resulting in the killing of more than 100 terrorists and the complete destruction of the headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. This action is a clear demonstration of India's zero tolerance policy against terrorism. Let us analyze this military action based on facts.

Operation Sindoor: Response to Pahalgam Attack

On April 22, terrorists shot 26 tourists, including 25 Indians and a Nepali national, in the Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam after asking them about their religion. The responsibility for this attack was claimed by terrorists belonging to Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. India had warned of immediate action. On May 7, between 1:28 am and 1:51 am, the Indian Air Force, Army and Navy jointly launched 'Operation Sindoor', which was commanded by NSA Ajit Doval.

• Targets of the attack: India struck 9 terror camps in Bahawalpur, Muridke, Kotli, Muzaffarabad, Sialkot and Bagh. These included 4 Jaish, 3 Lashkar and 2 Hizbul Mujahideen camps. Jaish's 200-acre headquarters in Bahawalpur, which included mosques, schools and training camps, was completely destroyed. Lashkar's headquarters in Muridke, which was the centre of the 26/11 Mumbai attack conspiracy, was also destroyed.
• Weapons and tactics: Loitering munitions (kamikaze drones) along with BrahMos and Scalp missiles were used in the operation. The attacks were carried out from the Indian border, making it a non-escalatory operation.
• Casualties: According to initial reports, more than 100 terrorists were killed, including several top commanders of Jaish and Lashkar. 30 terrorists were reported killed in Bahawalpur and 25 in Kotli. 55 terrorists are reported to be injured.

Pakistan's reaction

Pakistani army spokesman Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhary called it a "cowardly attack" and said that Pakistan "will respond at its own time and place." Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif called it a violation of sovereignty and threatened military action. Pakistan closed Lahore and Sialkot airports for 48 hours and closed schools and colleges in Punjab. Local media claimed the death of three civilians, but India clarified that only terrorist hideouts were targeted.

India's stand

The Defense Ministry issued a statement saying, "Operation Sindoor was a focused and non-provocative action, in which no Pakistani military base was targeted." Prime Minister Narendra Modi monitored the operation overnight. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted, "Bharat Mata ki Jai!" Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma also praised the army's action. Why is the operation named 'Sindoor'?

According to the Ministry of Defense, the name of the operation is dedicated to the women whose husbands were killed by terrorists in the Pahalgam attack. Many newly married couples were affected in the attack, whose sindoor was destroyed. This name reflects the emotional and cultural sensitivity of India.

Social media boils over Operation Sindoor is trending on X. @ndtvindia wrote, "India's air strike at 9 places in Pakistan, 'Operation Sindoor' launched in response to Pahalgam attack." Users called it a "lesson to Pakistan" and "India's strength". Some called it a move to increase regional tensions.

International reactions

1. US: President Donald Trump called the operation "shameful", but India called it a move of self-defense.
2. UN: Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed to both countries to exercise restraint.
3. Pakistan: Defense Minister Khawaja Asif threatened to "respond with full force".

Experts' analysis

Defence expert Praful Bakshi said, "It was a mixed attack of air and artillery. India showed precision and restraint." Some analysts believe that Pakistan's retaliation will be limited, as it is under economic and diplomatic pressure.

Conclusion

'Operation Sindoor' has strengthened India's policy of decisive action against terrorism. India avenged the Pahalgam attack by killing more than 100 terrorists with 24 missiles and destroying the headquarters of Jaish-Lashkar. However, Pakistan's threats and ceasefire violations have increased regional tensions. Will this action curb terrorism, or start a new conflict? Time and diplomacy will decide.