India Strikes Terror Camps in Pakistan, Killing Over 100; Operation Sindoor Explained
India took decisive military action against Pakistan-based terror camps in a swift operation codenamed ‘Sindoor’. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh revealed to opposition leaders that over 100 terrorists were killed in the strikes.
The operation, launched as a response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). These camps belonged to groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, responsible for the 2019 Pulwama attack and the recent Pahalgam massacre, respectively.
Targeting Terror Infrastructure
India employed precision weapons, including SCALP missiles and HAMMER bombs, to dismantle terrorist infrastructure in the targeted areas. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army stated that the strikes were based on ‘credible intelligence’ and aimed specifically at disrupting cross-border terrorism.
Minimizing Civilian Casualties
Notably, the Indian military deliberately chose the timing and targets to minimize civilian casualties. Colonel Qureshi emphasized that no Pakistani military installations were targeted. Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force assured that the Indian military is prepared to respond if Pakistan retaliates militarily.
India-Pakistan Tensions Soar
Operation Sindoor comes amidst escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. The Pahalgam attack, where 26 people, including civilians, were killed in a brutal manner, fueled widespread outrage. India accused Pakistan of supporting the attack, a claim Islamabad vehemently denies.
In response to the Pahalgam attack, India implemented various non-military measures against Pakistan, including suspending certain visas and placing the Indus Waters Treaty on hold. Pakistan retaliated by suspending the Simla Agreement, which defines the Line of Control. Cross-border firing has also intensified, resulting in casualties on both sides.
International Response
The UN Security Council questioned Pakistan’s government about the continued operations of terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba from its territory. The international community is closely watching the developments in the region.
Political Support for India’s Actions
India’s opposition parties have expressed their support for the government’s actions against terrorism. Mallikarjun Kharge, the Congress party leader, stated that they stand with the government in its fight against cross-border terrorism.
