In a decisive response to the brutal terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22 that killed 26 people — including 25 Indian and one Nepali tourist — the Indian Armed Forces launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ in the early hours of Wednesday, targeting nine terror infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
The announcement came shortly after loud explosions were reported in several locations including Muzaffarabad in PoJK and Bahawalpur in Pakistan’s Punjab province. Multiple eyewitnesses also reported power outages in parts of PoJK following the strikes, raising speculation of large-scale disruptions across the targeted areas.
Precision Strikes, No Military Installations Targeted:
According to the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the strikes were “focused, measured, and non-escalatory in nature.” The statement emphasized that no Pakistani military facilities were hit, underscoring India’s restraint and focus solely on eliminating terror infrastructure.
“Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in selection of targets and method of execution,” the PIB release stated.
India confirmed that all nine sites targeted were directly involved in planning and facilitating cross-border terrorismagainst Indian civilians and security forces.
Retaliation for the Pahalgam Massacre:
The attack drew nationwide outrage and was strongly believed to have been orchestrated by Pakistan-based terror groups.
The Indian government had vowed a strong response. Today’s strikes deliver on that commitment.
“We are living up to the promise that those responsible for this attack will be held accountable,” read the PIB statement.
Pakistan’s Reaction: Airspace Closed for 48 Hours
In response to the operation, Pakistan has closed its airspace to all traffic for 48 hours, as confirmed by aviation and defence authorities. Meanwhile, Pakistan's military acknowledged that three locations were hit, including two in PoJK and one in Bahawalpur, an area known for hosting terror training camps in the past.
‘Justice is Served’, Declares Indian Army
Shortly after the strikes, the Indian Army posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“Justice is served. Jai Hind!”
The post was preceded by a cryptic video titled “Ready to Strike, Trained to Win”, signaling the imminent operation.
Political Reactions:
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also took to X to express his support, while political commentators across the spectrum hailed the strikes as a “balanced and strong message” to those fostering cross-border terrorism.
A detailed briefing on Operation Sindoor is expected later today by the Ministry of Defence.
This is the second major cross-border operation India has undertaken in recent years, following the 2016 surgical strikesand the 2019 Balakot airstrikes, both of which were responses to terror attacks emanating from Pakistani soil.
As tensions rise, the international community is watching closely — but for now, India’s message is clear: those who threaten Indian lives will face decisive consequences.
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