Pakistan confirmed that at least 11 of its soldiers were killed during recent clashes with Indian forces. This intense exchange of fire occurred over several days following a new Indian military operation targeting terrorist camps.
India’s Operation Sindoor Triggers Retaliation
On May 7, India carried out airstrikes on nine terrorist locations under Operation Sindoor. The targets included high-value terrorists linked to major attacks. In response, Pakistan launched strikes against Indian military and civilian positions.
This triggered further Indian airstrikes, which hit eight Pakistani airbases, radar installations, air defence systems, and other military locations.
Heavy Fighting Along the Border
Alongside the air attacks, there was intense cross-border firing along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir. Both countries exchanged heavy artillery and small-arms fire during this period.
India’s Claims: Over 100 Terrorists and 40 Pakistani Soldiers Killed
India reported that its strikes killed 35 to 40 Pakistani soldiers. It also claimed that over 100 terrorists died in the operations. Some of the dead included key terror figures like Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf, and Mudassir Ahmad, who were involved in the IC-814 hijacking case.
Pakistan Lists Its Casualties
Pakistan said that out of the 11 personnel who died, six were from the Army and five from the Air Force. It also reported that 78 soldiers were injured in the conflict.
Here are the names of the deceased:
Army personnel:
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Naik Abdul Rehman
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Lance Naik Dilawar Khan
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Lance Naik Ikramullah
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Naik Waqar Khalid
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Sepoy Muhammad Adeel Akbar
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Sepoy Nisar
Air Force personnel:
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Squadron Leader Usman Yousuf
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Chief Technician Aurangzeb
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Senior Technician Najeeb
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Corporal Technician Farooq
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Senior Technician Mubashir
Pakistan’s Operation Bunyanum Marsoos
In response to India’s airstrikes, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos. It named the period from May 7 to May 10 as “Marka-e-Haq”, which means “Battle of Truth” in English.
India Accuses Pakistan of Supporting Terrorists
India strongly criticized Pakistan’s actions. It pointed out that top military and civilian leaders in Pakistan had attended funerals of terrorists. This, India said, proves Pakistan’s close involvement in terrorism.
Damage to Civilians and Religious Sites in Jammu
While India claimed it avoided civilian areas, Pakistani shelling damaged homes and religious places in Jammu’s Poonch district. Several families were forced to flee. According to reports, Pakistan also shelled a temple, a gurdwara, and a school in the region, causing fear and displacement among locals.
