New Delhi, May 7 — In its most expansive counter-terror operation in recent years, India launched a coordinated missile offensive across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), killing over 70 terrorists and injuring more than 60 others, according to senior government sources.
The operation, dubbed Sindoor, targeted nine locations identified as active hubs of terrorist activity linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad.
“This wasn’t just retaliation—it was a demonstration of strategic resolve,” said a top official involved in the operation. “We have made it unequivocally clear that cross-border terrorism and the institutions that shelter it will face direct consequences.”
The 24 missiles used in the strikes were launched in under an hour and hit targets in Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Bahawalpur, Rawalakot, Chakswari, Bhimber, Neelum Valley, Jhelum, and Chakwal. Real-time UAV surveillance confirmed the destruction of targeted facilities, many of which had long been under Indian intelligence monitoring.
Government sources said the sites functioned as operational bases, transit points, or logistics hubs for terror outfits and had been under round-the-clock surveillance.
“These locations were selected after integrating satellite imagery, intercepted communications, and human intelligence. We knew exactly what each structure was being used for,” a source said.
Among those killed were several mid- to high-ranking field commanders, trainers, and logistics operatives. Post-strike intelligence indicated the disruption of communication networks and sleeper cell coordination.
“We’ve dealt a serious blow to their operational architecture,” said another source.
While Pakistan claimed 26 civilians were killed and others injured or missing, Indian officials said collateral damage was kept to a minimum.
“Our targeting was precise. No military installations were hit. The focus was solely on eliminating terror infrastructure,” the official added.
The strikes follow mounting intelligence that pointed to direct logistical support from the Pakistan Army to these groups.
According to Indian officials, the operation was intended not just to neutralize threats but also to expose the deep-seated nexus between the Pakistani military and terrorist networks.
“The decision to strike deep inside Pakistani-administered territory was a departure from previous doctrine,” said one of the officials.
“It signals a new phase of operational assertiveness. We were not merely reacting; we were shaping the security environment.”
Indian authorities have acknowledged the possibility of civilian harm but emphasized that every effort was made to vet targets. “These terror groups deliberately embed themselves in civilian zones. While we regret any civilian casualties, the responsibility lies with those who turn civilian areas into human shields,” an official said.
Operation Sindoor marks a shift in India’s approach to cross-border terrorism—moving from symbolic strikes to a broader strategic posture. As one senior source put it: “This wasn’t about escalation. It was about establishing deterrence through decisive action.”
