- Triggered by the Pahalgam Massacre
On April 22, 2025, a brutal terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, claimed the lives of 26 unarmed civilians. The victims were executed in cold blood—many in front of their families—prompting a swift and calculated Indian response. - The Significance of the Name ‘Sindoor’
The operation was symbolically named Sindoor—a poignant reference to the vermilion worn by married women. The name honours the men who were killed in front of their wives and highlights the emotional cost of terrorism. - Scale of the Strike
India launched a coordinated assault on nine high-value terror targets, not just in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) but deep inside Pakistani territory—a significant shift in India’s rules of engagement. - Precision Use of Cruise Missiles
The strike reportedly involved the deployment of 24 long-range cruise missiles, targeting training centres, launchpads, and headquarters of notorious terror outfits. - High-Profile Terror Groups Targeted
The operation struck infrastructure tied to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and Hizbul Mujahideen—all of which have long histories of attacks on Indian soil. - Major Camps Hit
Targets included JeM’s headquarters in Bahawalpur, LeT’s base in Muridke, and Hizbul Mujahideen’s camp near Sialkot—locations previously considered off-limits due to their depth in Pakistani territory. - Crossing a Red Line: Hitting Mainland Pakistan
Unlike previous surgical strikes or Balakot-style air raids, this operation marked the first time India hit confirmed terror camps within Pakistan proper, escalating the conflict beyond the traditional LoC boundaries. - Heavy Terror Casualties
Initial assessments suggest over 70 terrorists were neutralised, including several trainers and senior operatives, delivering a serious blow to their operational capacities. - Real-Time Intel and Satellite Mapping
The operation was backed by extensive surveillance, including satellite imagery, drone reconnaissance, and human intelligence networks, allowing precise strikes with minimal collateral damage. - Synchronised with Civil Defence Preparedness
Coinciding with a nationwide civil defence mock drill, the operation reinforced India’s readiness for potential escalation and ensured coordination between civil and defence agencies. - Pakistan’s Immediate Response: Airspace Shutdown
In a sign of panic and anticipation of further action, Pakistan closed its airspace shortly after the strike, affecting both domestic and international air traffic. - LoC Heats Up: Heavy Crossfire
The Line of Control (LoC) has seen intensified exchanges of fire since the operation. Both sides have deployed artillery and infantry units in high-alert formations. - PM Shehbaz Sharif’s Warning
Declaring the Indian strikes an “act of war”, Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif vowed that the country’s military would respond with full force, stoking fears of broader escalation. - High-Level Military Briefings in Delhi
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired meetings with top commanders of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, ensuring unified operational preparedness and real-time assessment of evolving threats. - US Diplomatic Intervention
The US State Department, through senior official Marco Rubio, held calls with both Indian and Pakistani national security advisors, urging restraint and continued diplomatic communication. - Global Travel Warnings Issued
Several countries, led by the United States, issued advisories against travel to Pakistan, reflecting growing concern over the volatile security situation in the region. - China Urges De-escalation
Beijing, traditionally an ally of Pakistan, issued a cautious statement calling for “restraint and responsible behaviour” by both nations to avoid destabilising the region. - United Nations Monitoring the Situation
The UN Security Council is reportedly following developments closely. There is growing concern about how the standoff might affect global peace and humanitarian operations in South Asia. - Strong Public Sentiment in India
Across India, the operation has been widely supported. Citizens and civil society groups have hailed the government’s firm stance against terrorism and called for continued vigilance. - Long-Term Implications for Regional Stability
Experts warn that while the operation showcased India’s military resolve, the potential for further retaliation, diplomatic fallout, and economic disruption in South Asia cannot be ignored.
20 Things you Need to Know About Operation Sindoor
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