In a bold and coordinated military offensive, the Indian armed forces launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ in the early hours of May 7, 2025, targeting and destroying nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The swift 25-minute operation came in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians in Jammu & Kashmir.
Timeline of Events
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April 22, 2025: A barbaric terror attack in Pahalgam claims 26 lives. Intelligence begins tracking Pakistan-based terror modules planning further strikes on Indian soil.
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May 6, 2025 (Evening): Indian intelligence confirms the presence of terrorists and infrastructure at nine high-value targets in Pakistan and PoK.
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May 7, 2025 (1:05 AM – 1:30 AM IST): The Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy jointly execute Operation Sindoor. High-precision airstrikes are launched using SCALP cruise missiles, HAMMER bombs, and advanced loitering munitions.
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May 7, 2025 (Afternoon): A detailed press briefing is held in New Delhi by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, who unveil the full scope and purpose of the strikes.
What the Government Said
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri underlined the strategic and moral necessity of the operation. “Our intelligence indicated that further attacks against India are impending. Thus, compulsion, both to deter and prevent, and hence earlier this morning, India exercised its right to respond to deter such more cross-border terrorism… Our actions were measured and non-escalatory, proportionate and responsible. They focused on dismantling terrorists’ infrastructure,” he stated.
Misri further accused Pakistan of continuing to harbor terrorism while denying its role. “Despite a fortnight having passed since the attack, there has been no demonstrable step from Pakistan to take action against the terrorist infrastructure on its territory or territory under its control. Instead all it has indulged in is denial and allegations,” he said.
Terror Camps Targeted in Operation Sindoor
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi provided detailed visuals and intelligence behind the strikes. She listed the nine major camps eliminated:
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Shawai Nallah Camp, Muzaffarabad (PoK) – LeT base linked to Sonamarg and Gulmarg attacks in 2024 and the Pahalgam massacre.
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Muridke (Pakistan) – LeT training camp; also trained 26/11 attackers Ajmal Kasab and David Headley.
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Sarjal Camp, Sialkot (Pakistan) – 6 km inside Pakistan; trained terrorists who killed four J&K police officers.
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Markaz Ahle Hadith, Barnala (Bhimber, PoK) – Weapon, IED, and jungle survival training center.
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Markaz Abbas, Kotli (PoK) – Fidayeen suicide bomber training facility.
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Mehmoona Joya Camp, Sialkot (Pakistan) – Major Hizbul Mujahideen control center; linked to Pathankot attack.
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Markaz Subhan Allah, Bahawalpur (Pakistan) – Headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed.
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Syedna Bilal Camp, Muzaffarabad (PoK) – JeM staging and explosives depot.
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Maskar Raheel Shahid Gulpur Camp, Kotli (PoK) – LeT camp tied to 2023 Poonch attack and 2024 bus bombing.
Precision and Purpose
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh emphasized the operation’s tactical success and restraint. “Nine terror camps were targeted and destroyed” in direct retaliation for the Pahalgam attack, she said.
“The targets for Operation Sindoor were based on credible intelligence inputs and locations that were so selected to avoid damage to civilian infrastructure and loss of civilian lives.”
She highlighted that Pakistan has maintained a sprawling terror infrastructure over the past three decades, with 21 active recruitment and launch pad sites, many of which were neutralized during this strike.
