In a bold and historic move, India launched Operation Sindoor, a tri-service military operation targeting terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), marking the first coordinated military strike of its kind since the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
In the pre-dawn hours of Wednesday, Indian defence forces carried out a joint operation involving the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The strikes, which began sharply at 1:44 am, focused on nine identified terror hubs operating in Pakistan and PoK. This operation was a direct response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which tragically claimed 26 civilian lives, many of whom were tourists.
What is Operation Sindoor?
Operation Sindoor was a precision military strike executed using guided munitions and kamikaze drones, also known as loitering munitions. These drones are capable of locating and destroying targets by crashing into them with explosive payloads. The targets were carefully chosen and the operation was described by officials as a calibrated, non-escalatory action, ensuring that no Pakistani military or civilian facilities were hit.
Terror Camps Targeted
According to defence sources, the strikes aimed exclusively at terror infrastructure used for planning and launching attacks on Indian soil. The identified targets included:
Jaish-e-Mohammed camps:
Markaz Subhan Allah in Bahawalpur
Sarjal at Tehra Kalan
Markaz Abbas in Kotli
Syedna Bilal camp in Muzaffarabad
Lashkar-e-Taiba sites:
Markaz Taiba in Murdike
Markaz Ahle Hadith in Barnala
Shwawai Nalla camp in Muzaffarabad
Hizbul Mujahideen facilities:
Makaz Raheel Shahid in Kotli
Mehmoona Joya in Sialkot
Each of these camps had long been under surveillance for their role in cross-border terrorism.
High-Level Monitoring and Diplomatic Outreach
Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally monitored the operation throughout the night from New Delhi. Soon after the mission concluded, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval contacted US NSA and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, sharing detailed insights into the strikes. This outreach reflects India’s continued emphasis on international cooperation in combating terrorism.
A Strategic Shift in India’s Counter-Terror Approach
This joint military operation marks a strategic shift in India’s response to terrorism. By deploying all three branches of the armed forces, the country has demonstrated a unified and powerful stance against cross-border terror threats.
This is the first time since the 1971 war that India has undertaken such a coordinated tri-service strike against Pakistan.
PM Modi’s International Visit Postponed
In the wake of the operation, sources confirmed that Prime Minister Modi’s scheduled visit to Norway, Croatia, and the Netherlands has been postponed. This decision underscores the seriousness of the security situation and the government’s focus on national priorities.
Operation Sindoor is being seen as a turning point in India’s counter-terrorism policy, sending a strong message against those involved in orchestrating violence across the border. As the world watches, India’s military and diplomatic moves continue to highlight its resolve to ensure peace and security for its citizens.
