Operation Sindoor: India Strikes Terror Camps in Pakistan & PoK

In a bold, covert move that reshaped the security calculus of South Asia, India launched Operation Sindoor in May 2025, a high-precision counterterrorism mission targeting militant launchpads and infrastructure in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

The strike, conducted with surgical precision using a combination of special forces, drones, and electronic warfare, marks a new chapter in India’s military doctrine—one that emphasizes proactive, tech-powered counterterrorism without public fanfare.

🇮🇳 What is Operation Sindoor?

Operation Sindoor is the codename for a high-precision military operation reportedly conducted by Indian Armed Forces in May 2025 to neutralize terror infrastructure across the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) region and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The operation was executed in response to a series of cross-border infiltrations and intelligence on planned terror strikes in India.

The name “Sindoor” (सिन्दूर) symbolizes red, traditionally signifying valor and sacrifice in Indian culture, and metaphorically refers to drawing a red line against terrorism.

Here’s a detailed visual timeline and strike zone overview of Operation Sindoor, India’s precision military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack:

22 April: मोदी को बता देना ?

07 May: मोदी ने बता दिया — Manoj Tiwari (@ManojTiwariMP)

Objectives of the Operation

Neutralize active terror launchpads across PoK.
Eliminate key leadership of terror outfits operating under ISI patronage.
Disrupt infiltration routes near LoC sectors in Kupwara and Rajouri.
Assert a shift to zero-tolerance and preemptive retaliation.
Reinforce India’s commitment to protecting its territorial integrity.

Operation Sindoor: Timeline of Events

April 22, 2025 – Pahalgam Terror Attack

26 civilians (25 Indians, 1 Nepali) were killed in a mass shooting in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir.
India attributed the attack to Pakistan-based terror groups, specifically Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.

May 4, 2025 — Intel Breakthrough

RAW and NTRO intercept high-level chatter between terror groups in PoK.
Satellite imagery shows increased movement near launch pads in Muzaffarabad and Kel.

May 5, 2025 — Green Signal from CCS

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by PM Narendra Modi, approves a precision strike.
GOC-in-C of Northern Command and DGMO finalize multi-branch coordination.

May 7, 2025 – 1:44 AM IST – Launch of Operation Sindoor

India executed missile and drone strikes on 9 terror-linked sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
This marked the first joint operation involving the Army, Navy, and Air Force since the 1971 war.
Targets included:
- Muridke (Lashkar-e-Taiba headquarters)
- Bahawalpur (Jaish-e-Mohammed base)
- Muzaffarabad and Kotli in PoK

May 6–7, 2025 – Pakistan’s Response

Pakistan reported 8 civilian deaths, including a child, and over 30 injuries.
Claims of shooting down 2–3 Indian jets and destroying an Indian brigade HQ were made, though unverified by India.
Airspace was closed for 48 hours; a state of emergency was declared in Punjab.

Operation Sindoor: A city view of Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7 (Image: Reuters)

May 7, 2025 – International Reactions

The UN and U.S. urged both nations to exercise restraint.
Flight diversions occurred across South Asia, with major airlines avoiding Pakistani airspace.

May 8, 2025 – Indian Forces on High Alert

LoC Activity Spikes: Pakistan mobilizes additional troops near Bagh and Bhimber sectors.
India deploys Akash NG and S-400 batteries near sensitive border regions.
Northern Command cancels all leaves for frontline infantry units.
CDS warns of possible “proxy retaliation” via sleeper cells in major Indian cities.

May 9, 2025 – PoK Surveillance Continues & Global Pressure Rises

Indian drones conduct follow-up ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) missions over Kel and Kotli.
UN Secretary-General urges India and Pakistan to “de-escalate militarily and return to diplomacy.”
India says: “We reserve the right to act against terror. No aggression against civilians or military posts occurred.”
Reports indicate 2nd phase strikes may be “on standby” if infiltration attempts resume.

Alleged Targets Struck

Location	Target Type	Group Affiliation
Kel	Training camp, infiltration base	Lashkar-e-Taiba
Athmuqam	Communication relay and logistics hub	The Resistance Front
Kotli	Weapons depot and hideout	Jaish-e-Mohammed
Muzaffarabad	Tactical command node	Combined HQ (ISI-linked)
Neelum Valley	Tunnel entrance for cross-border push	LeT

How It Differs from Previous Operations

Operation	Year	Forces Used	Outcome
Uri Strike	2016	Para SF (ground)	38 terrorists killed, camps hit
Balakot Strike	2019	Air Force (Mirage 2000)	JeM facility targeted
Sindoor	2025	SF + drones + EW	Multi-pronged, tech-led strike

Technology & Tactics Used

Drone Swarm Technology: Possibly integrated through AI-assisted autonomous drones.
Loitering Munitions: Smart kamikaze drones for high-value targets.
Special Forces Infiltration: High-altitude HALO jump by Para SF.
Satellite Coordination: Real-time targeting data from Cartosat and RISAT satellites.

International Response

Country	Initial Response
USA	Urged “maximum restraint” but acknowledged India’s right to self-defense.
Russia	Called for dialogue but did not condemn the strike.
China	Expressed concern, warned against escalation.
France	Supported India’s counter-terrorism stance.
OIC	Condemned the “violation of Pakistani sovereignty.”

What’s Next? Risk of Escalation?

Despite Pakistan’s denials and diplomatic protests, the situation remains tense. Ceasefire violations may spike, and India has reportedly placed its air and missile defense systems (like S-400 and Akash-NG) on alert.

Experts believe the operation sends a clear signal: India will act decisively and independently when national security is threatened.

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