Location: Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK)
Agency: Indian Air Force
Objective: Retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam Terror Attack
Duration: Approximately 23 minutes
Code Name Meaning: "Sindoor" – Symbol of sacrifice and patriotism
📌 Background
On April 22, 2025, a brutal terrorist attack occurred in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, killing 26 innocent civilians including women and children. Indian intelligence agencies traced the attack to terror camps operated by Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen in Pakistan and PoK.
The Indian government vowed a strong response. Within two weeks, the Indian Air Force launched a precise, high-level operation codenamed “Operation Sindoor.”
✈️ Operation Details
Aircraft Used:
- 6 Rafale Fighter Jets
- 2 Sukhoi-30 MKIs (for support and backup)
- AWACS (Airborne radar and tracking)
- DRDO drones for precision targeting
Weapons Deployed:
- SCALP Long-Range Stealth Missiles
- Hammer Smart Bombs
- AASM Guided Bombs
🎯 Targets Hit
- Bahawalpur (JeM HQ)
- Muridke (LeT HQ)
- Sialkot
- Tehra Kalan
- Kotli (PoK)
- Muzaffarabad (PoK)
- Bhimber (PoK)
- Hattian Bala (PoK)
- Dudhnial (PoK)
📈 Impact and Effectiveness
- Over 70 terrorists neutralized, including foreign commanders
- More than 60 injured
- Several camps completely destroyed
- Pakistani air defenses failed to intercept
- Communication jamming rendered response ineffective
- No casualties on the Indian side
🧭 Strategic Importance
Following the 2016 Surgical Strike and 2019 Balakot Airstrike, this marks the third major cross-border action by India. It shows India’s shift from "strategic restraint" to "proactive retaliation." The use of advanced technology like Rafale jets proved decisive.
🌐 Global Reactions
- USA: Urged restraint but acknowledged India’s right to self-defense
- Russia: Supported India’s strike
- China: Called for dialogue, remained neutral
- UN: Appealed for peace, no direct criticism of India
- Pakistan: Claimed civilian casualties, no proof presented
🗣️ Political Reactions
Opposition: Supported the action, but demanded detailed information in Parliament.
🧠 Expert Analysis
Defense analysts hailed Operation Sindoor as a game-changer in South Asian security dynamics. The precision, network-centric warfare approach, and high-tech weaponry signaled India’s enhanced military capabilities.
🔚 Conclusion
Operation Sindoor is a shining example of "New India’s" zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism. It was a well-planned, low-risk, high-impact mission underscoring India’s determination to defend its sovereignty. The strike is likely to shape future strategic postures in the region.
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