On May 7, 2025, India’s armed forces carried out precision strikes against terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) under Operation Sindoor. The operation targeted nine key locations linked to banned terrorist organizations, including Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Hizbul Mujahideen. The strikes were a direct retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 people, including one Nepali national. Former Chief of Army Staff, General Manoj Naravane, cryptically tweeted “Abhi picture baki hai” (The picture is not yet over), signaling that India’s military actions were only the first phase of a broader strategy.

India Strikes Terror Targets: Key Locations Hit

Operation Sindoor focused on dismantling terrorist infrastructure responsible for planning attacks against India. According to top security sources, over 80 terrorists were killed during the strikes. Two of the most significant targets were Bahawalpur, a stronghold of JeM, and Muridke, the ideological center of LeT, where the Masjid wa Markaz Taiba was struck. Both sites are known for their role in planning and supporting terrorist activities. The operation also targeted launch pads, training camps, and radicalization centers operated by these Pakistan-based terror outfits. While the government clarified that no Pakistani military facilities were targeted, the operation aimed to hold those behind the Pahalgam attack accountable.

India’s Measured Response: Focused and Non-Escalatory Actions

India’s response, while firm, was described as measured, proportionate, and non-escalatory. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that the targets were selected with restraint, ensuring that the strikes were focused solely on dismantling terrorist operations. The operation did not escalate tensions with Pakistan but rather sent a clear message that India would not tolerate cross-border terrorism. An official statement confirmed that India was upholding its commitment to holding those responsible for the Pahalgam attack accountable, asserting that justice had been served through the precision strikes.

Pakistan’s Response: Civilian Casualties and Claims of ‘Blatant War’

Pakistan quickly responded to the strikes, claiming that eight civilians, including a child, had been killed. Pakistan labeled the strikes a “blatant act of war” and condemned India’s actions. However, India’s intelligence agencies are still verifying the total number of casualties at all the targeted locations. Early estimates suggest that 80 to 90 terrorists were neutralized in the operation. This airstrike marks one of the most significant cross-border military actions by India since the Balakot airstrike in 2019, further solidifying India’s commitment to a stronger response doctrine against terrorism emanating from Pakistani soil.

A New Phase in India’s Counterterrorism Strategy

Operation Sindoor represents a crucial shift in India’s approach to combating cross-border terrorism. General Naravane’s “Abhi picture baki hai” message encapsulates the ongoing nature of India’s strategy, signaling that the operation’s first phase is only the beginning. With continued military pressure and international support, India is clearly committed to holding terrorist organizations and their sponsors accountable. As the region watches closely, this operation marks a decisive moment in India’s fight against terrorism and sets the tone for future actions.

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Source – businesstoday.com