Mission Sindoor

What Happened During Operation Sindoor?

• Targets: The Indian Air Force conducted airstrikes on nine sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, including locations in Bahawalpur, Muridke, Tehra Kalan, Sialkot, Bhimber, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad. These sites were reportedly linked to terrorist groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen .Wikipedia+1ElHuffPost+1

• Weapons Used: The operation involved precision-guided munitions, including SCALP and Hammer missiles, launched from Rafale fighter jets .Wikipedia

• Casualties: Pakistan reported eight deaths and 38 injuries among its civilians, including a child, and claimed that Indian aircraft were shot down. India reported that three of its fighter jets crashed and that Pakistani artillery fire killed three Indian civilians .New York Post+1Wikipedia+1

International Reactions

• Pakistan: Condemned the strikes as a “cowardly attack” on civilians and vowed retaliation. Pakistan’s military claimed to have shot down several Indian aircraft, though India denied these claims .Wikipedia

• India: Defended the operation as a targeted response to terrorism, emphasizing that no Pakistani military facilities were hit .Wikipedia

• United States: President Donald Trump called the Indian strikes “a shame” .Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1

• United Nations: Secretary-General António Guterres called for maximum restraint from both India and Pakistan .Wikipedia+1New York Post+1

Impact on Civilian Life

• Air Travel: Indian civil flights to Srinagar were halted, and power outages were reported in Muzaffarabad. Major international airlines, including Air France and Lufthansa, avoided Pakistani airspace .New York Post+1Wikipedia+1

Ongoing Tensions

The situation remains volatile, with both nations on high alert. The conflict underscores the longstanding and unresolved Kashmir dispute between the two nuclear-armed neighbors

Operation Sindoor, launched by India on May 6, 2025, represents a significant escalation in the ongoing India–Pakistan conflict, particularly concerning the Kashmir region. This operation was a direct response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 26 Hindu tourists and injured several others.

Objectives of Operation Sindoor

The primary aim of Operation Sindoor was to target and dismantle terrorist infrastructure linked to groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. The Indian government emphasized that the operation was precise, targeting only terrorist sites and avoiding civilian and military installations in Pakistan.

Military Assets Deployed

The Indian Air Force utilized advanced weaponry, including SCALP and Hammer missiles, launched from Rafale fighter jets, to conduct the strikes. These precision-guided munitions were aimed at minimizing collateral damage while effectively neutralizing the identified threats.

Impact on Civilian Areas

Despite India’s assertions of precision, Pakistan reported civilian casualties, including eight deaths and 35 injuries, with damage to civilian structures such as mosques. The Pakistani military confirmed the use of Indian missiles but denied any airspace violations by Indian aircraft. In retaliation, Pakistan claimed to have downed several Indian aircraft, a statement India has denied.

International Reactions

The international community has expressed concern over the escalation:

• United States: President Donald Trump described the Indian strikes as “a shame,” urging restraint.

• United Nations: Secretary-General António Guterres called for maximum restraint from both nations to prevent further escalation.

• Afghanistan, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Bangladesh, and Bhutan: These countries condemned the Pahalgam attack, offering condolences and reaffirming their stance against terrorism.en.wikipedia.org

Potential for Escalation

The operation has significantly heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Both countries have heightened their military alertness, and Pakistan has declared a state of emergency in Punjab. The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further military actions and a broader regional conflict.

Latest Developments

As of May 7, 2025, the situation remains tense. Both nations continue to engage in military posturing, and diplomatic efforts are underway to de-escalate the conflict. The international community is closely monitoring the developments, urging both India and Pakistan to engage in dialogue to resolve their differences peacefully.