Operation Sindoor: India’s Historic Tri-Service Strike on Terror Bases in Pakistan and PoK

In the early hours of May 7, 2025, India launched a meticulously planned and unprecedented military operation named Operation Sindoor, marking the first time since the 1971 war that all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces—the Army, Navy, and Air Force—joined forces to strike terror bases across Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

This decisive action was a direct response to the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, on April 22, which claimed 26 innocent lives, including 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen. The operation targeted nine terror camps linked to notorious groups Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen, aiming to dismantle the infrastructure that has long threatened India’s security.

The Genesis of Operation Sindoor: A Response Rooted in Justice

The Pahalgam terror attack sent shockwaves across India, igniting a resolve within the nation’s leadership to respond decisively. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who vowed to pursue the perpetrators “to the ends of the earth,” closely monitored the operation throughout the night. The Indian Defence Ministry confirmed that the strikes were carried out at precisely 1:44 am, utilizing precision strike weapon systems, including advanced loitering munitions—suicide drones designed to hover and strike targets with surgical accuracy.

The nine targeted sites were carefully selected based on intelligence inputs, survivor testimonies, and technical evidence linking them to terror activities against India. These included the headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba in Muridke and Jaish-e-Mohammed in Bahawalpur, both infamous for harboring terrorists responsible for multiple attacks on Indian soil. The operation was executed with remarkable restraint, deliberately avoiding civilian, economic, or military targets in Pakistan, underscoring India’s commitment to a measured and responsible response.

Precision and Power: The Tri-Service Military Coordination

Operation Sindoor stands out not only for its strategic impact but also for its demonstration of seamless coordination among India’s Army, Navy, and Air Force. This tri-service synergy enabled simultaneous missile strikes on terror camps spread across Pakistan and PoK, showcasing India’s enhanced military capabilities and intelligence prowess.

The Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force employed a combination of missile strikes and kamikaze drones, which loiter over the target area before striking, ensuring maximum damage to terror infrastructure while minimizing collateral damage. The operation’s success was a testament to India’s evolving defense technology and the professionalism of its armed forces.

Strategic Targets: Why These Nine Sites?

The nine terror bases targeted in Operation Sindoor were not randomly chosen. Each site has a documented history of involvement in terror activities against India. The locations included Bahawalpur, Muridke, Gulpur, Sawai Camp, Bilal Camp, Kotli Camp, Barnala Camp, Sarjal Camp, and Mehmoona Camp. These camps serve as training grounds, logistical hubs, and planning centers for terror groups Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen.

Bahawalpur, located 100 km inside Pakistan, is the nerve center of Jaish-e-Mohammed, while Muridke, 30 km inside Pakistan, is the headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba, often described as Pakistan’s “terror nursery.” The operation’s precision in targeting these sites sends a clear message that India will not tolerate safe havens for terrorists on its borders.

Regional and Global Reactions: Tensions and Calls for Restraint

The strikes have escalated tensions between India and Pakistan, with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemning the operation as an “act of war” and vowing a forceful response. The Pakistani military also reported casualties following retaliatory firing across the Line of Control (LoC). Meanwhile, the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for “maximum military restraint” from both nations, emphasizing the global community’s concern over a potential escalation.

Internationally, the United States and other global powers have been closely monitoring the situation. Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval briefed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio shortly after the operation, highlighting India’s focused and non-escalatory approach.

Civilian Impact and Precautionary Measures

In the wake of Operation Sindoor, several precautionary measures were implemented across India. Flights to and from key northern cities such as Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, and Chandigarh were canceled or rescheduled due to heightened security concerns. Educational institutions in sensitive districts like Baramulla, Kupwara, and Gurez remained closed to ensure safety.

The Indian government also planned a nationwide security mock drill across 244 districts to enhance civil defense preparedness in the event of hostile attacks, reflecting the seriousness with which the nation is addressing its security challenges.

Key Details of Operation Sindoor Targets

Delhi, Mumbai Among 244 Districts Participating in Nationwide Mock Drills on May 7

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