Operation Sindoor: Pakistan bloodied! 150 terrorists killed, F-16 jet damaged, air defense system destroyed

New delhi : On the morning of 7 May 2025, India carried out precision strikes on terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) under 'Operation Sindoor', which shook Pakistan. In this operation, the Indian Air Force targeted nine terrorist hideouts, killing about 150 terrorists, damaging one F-16 jet, and destroying Pakistan's air defense system in Lahore. This attack was a response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025, in which 26 people were killed. Let us understand the key facts of this operation and its impact.

Operation Sindoor: A Precise and Non-Offensive Reply

The Indian armed forces carried out 'Operation Sindoor' in 25 minutes between 1:05 am and 1:30 am. According to the Defence Ministry, the operation was "precise, measured and non-offensive" with only terror hideouts targeted and not Pakistani military facilities. The IAF used Rafale jets, Sukhoi Su-30, and SCALP cruise missiles as well as Spice-2000 bombs.

The targets of the attack included the Bahawalpur headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and the Muridke hideout of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). According to sources, 10 family members and four associates of JeM chief Maulana Masood Azhar were killed. Besides, hideouts in PoK such as Gulpur, Bhimber, and Kotli were also destroyed.

150 terrorists killed, F-16 damaged, air defence system destroyed

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in a statement that more than 150 terrorists were killed in the operation, though the final count is still underway. Pakistani media claimed their air force shot down five Indian jets, including three Rafales, but India rejected these claims. In contrast, Indian sources confirmed that a Pakistani F-16 jet was damaged and an air defence radar system in Lahore was destroyed.

Viral videos on social media showed orange fireballs and thick smoke clouds during the attacks, indicating the intensity of the operation. Satellite imagery from Maxar Technologies also released pictures of the destroyed targets.

Revenge for Pahalgam attack

The name of Operation Sindoor is inspired by the Pahalgam attack, where terrorists targeted Hindu men, leaving many women widowed. The word 'Sindoor' symbolises the red colour worn on the forehead of married Hindu women. The operation was a response to the attack, which India attributed to Pakistan-backed terror groups. Foreign Secretary Vikram Mishra said, "The Pahalgam attack was a barbaric act which forced us to strike at the terror infrastructure across the border."

Pakistan's response and global concern

Pakistan termed the attacks as an "act of war" and claimed that 31 civilians were killed. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said Pakistan would give a "suitable reply". The Pakistani army launched heavy shelling along the LoC, killing 12 Indian civilians. In response, India said it did not want to escalate the situation but would respond to any attack.

The global community expressed concern. The US, UK, and the UN appealed to both countries to exercise restraint. Iran's foreign minister asked both countries to de-escalate tensions.

India's preparations and civil defence

Following the operation, India conducted civil defence mock drills in 244 districts. 21 airports in northern and western India were closed until 10 May. Banks and railways strengthened cyber security.

Conclusion

Operation Sindoor strengthened India's zero tolerance policy against terrorism. It was not only a response to the Pahalgam attack, but also a message to Pakistan that India is capable of responding to any threat. As tensions rise, the eyes of the world are on India and Pakistan. Will Pakistan retaliate, or choose the path of peace? Time will tell.

Do you think Operation Sindoor will strengthen India's strategy against terrorism? Comment your opinion!