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Operation Sindoor is a significant military operation launched by India in the early hours of May 7, 2025, involving coordinated precision strikes by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK). Here’s a comprehensive overview of what happened, why it matters, and the latest updates.

What is Operation Sindoor?

Operation Sindoor is the codename for a joint tri-service strike carried out by the Indian Armed Forces targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and POK. The operation was a direct response to the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir’s Anantnag district, on April 22, 2025, which killed 26 people (25 Indians and one Nepali tourist).

Key Details of the Operation

• Timing: Strikes began at 1:44 am on May 7, 2025.

• Targets: Nine terror infrastructure sites, including the Jaish-e-Mohammed headquarters in Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba’s base in Muridke.

• Forces Involved: Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force (first such joint action since the 1971 war).

• Weapons Used: Precision-guided missiles and kamikaze drones (loitering munitions).

• Casualties: Over 70 terrorists killed, more than 60 wounded, according to Indian sources.

• Civilian Impact: Pakistani officials report at least eight civilian deaths and over 35 injuries in the affected areas.

• Indian Losses: Pakistan claims to have shot down multiple Indian aircraft and captured soldiers, though these claims are not independently verified.

Why Did India Launch Operation Sindoor?

The operation was a retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack, which India attributes to Pakistan-based groups. The Indian government stated that the strikes specifically targeted terrorist infrastructure “from where attacks against India have been planned and directed,” emphasizing that no Pakistani military facilities were hit and the action was “focused, measured, and non-escalatory”.

Government and International Response

• Indian Government: Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally monitored the operation, vowing to pursue the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack “to the ends of the earth”.

• Ministry of Defence: Stressed restraint and precision, reiterating that only terror infrastructure was targeted.

• Pakistan: Condemned the strikes as an “act of war,” claimed to have retaliated with artillery shelling and air defense, and reported civilian casualties.

• United Nations: Called for maximum restraint from both sides to prevent escalation.

• US and International Community: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated he was monitoring the situation closely and urged for peaceful resolution.

Locations Targeted

• Bahawalpur: Jaish-e-Mohammed headquarters.

• Muridke: Lashkar-e-Taiba base.

• Muzaffarabad and Kotli: Key sites in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

Press Conference and Official Statements

• The Indian Army and Ministry of Defence held press briefings confirming the operation, reiterating that no Pakistani military assets were targeted and that the action was in response to the Pahalgam attack.

• Col. Sofiya Qureshi, during a media briefing, highlighted that even the terror camp where 26/11 attackers Kasab and Headley were trained was among the targets.

Current Situation and Next Steps

• Security Alert: Indian airspace is being closely monitored, and civilian flights from Srinagar Airport have been suspended.

• Cabinet Committee on Security: Meeting held to review the situation, with an all-party meeting planned.

• Pakistan’s Response: Ongoing artillery shelling reported across the Line of Control, with civilian casualties on both sides.

• Mock Drills: India is conducting nationwide civil defense drills in 244 districts to prepare for any escalation.

Operation Sindoor marks a historic escalation in India-Pakistan tensions, being the first tri-service strike since 1971. The operation’s stated aim was to dismantle terror infrastructure responsible for attacks on Indian soil, with both nations now on high alert and the international community urging restraint.

For live updates and further developments, follow official government briefings and major news outlets.