On May 7, 2025, at approximately 1:44 AM IST, India launched a military operation codenamed “Operation Sindoor,” targeting nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This operation was a direct response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen. The strikes have escalated tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, with shocking videos emerging online that depict the aftermath of the attacks.
Pakistan pic.twitter.com/XuGFEMYjat
— Mossad Commentary (@MOSSADil) May 6, 2025
Background of Operation Sindoor
The Pahalgam attack, which targeted Hindu tourists, prompted India to accuse Pakistan of supporting terrorist groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. India’s Ministry of Defence described Operation Sindoor as a “focused, measured, and non-escalatory” response, aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure. The operation was executed with precision, using Rafale fighter jets equipped with Scalp cruise missiles and Hammer precision-guided munitions, launched from Indian airspace.
Sunrise in Pakistan at Midnight😂
Operation Sindoor🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/gF4i8O1o0T
— The Jaipur Dialogues (@JaipurDialogues) May 6, 2025
The targeted locations included Bahawalpur, Muridke, Gulpur, Bhimber, Chak Amru, Bagh, Kotli, Sialkot, and Muzaffarabad—areas India claims are strongholds of terrorist organizations. Pakistan, however, disputes the nature of the targets, alleging civilian areas, including a mosque in Bahawalpur, were hit.
Also Read: India Launches Operation Sindoor: Precision Strikes Target Terror Camps in Pakistan
Details of the Missile Strikes
According to Indian sources, the strikes were carefully planned to avoid Pakistani military installations, focusing solely on terrorist infrastructure. The Indian armed forces used advanced weaponry to ensure precision, with the operation commencing at 1:44 AM IST. Reports indicate that the headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed in Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Muridke were among the primary targets.
#BREAKING: Pakistan Army confirms attack by India. India has launched an attack on Pakistan. Missiles fired at Kotli, Muzaffarabad, and Bahawalpur — confirmed by DG ISPR to Pakistani journalists. India goes after terror state Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/Tog4sHGjdM
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) May 6, 2025
Pakistan’s military, through its Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), reported that India struck six locations with 24 impacts, resulting in significant damage. Pakistani officials claim the strikes were launched from Indian airspace, with missiles hitting sites in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Punjab province.
| Target Locations | Reported Significance |
| Bahawalpur | Jaish-e-Mohammed stronghold |
| Muridke | Lashkar-e-Taiba stronghold |
| Muzaffarabad | Terrorist infrastructure in PoK |
| Kotli | Terrorist infrastructure in PoK |
| Sialkot | Terrorist infrastructure |
| Gulpur, Bhimber, Chak Amru, Bagh | Additional terrorist sites |
Casualties and Damage
Pakistan reported at least eight fatalities and 38 injuries, with some sources citing lower numbers, such as three deaths and 12 injuries. Among the casualties, a child was reportedly killed in Bahawalpur, where a mosque was struck, and two others—a woman and a man—were injured. Local residents near Muzaffarabad were seen examining damaged buildings, as captured in images shared by the Associated Press (AP).
Indian sources have not confirmed casualty figures but maintain that the strikes were precise and targeted only terrorist facilities. The discrepancy in casualty reports highlights the conflicting narratives, with Pakistan emphasizing civilian losses and India focusing on the elimination of terrorist threats.
Government Responses
India’s Ministry of Defence issued a statement asserting that Operation Sindoor was a necessary response to the Pahalgam attack. The ministry emphasized that the operation was conducted with restraint, avoiding escalation by not targeting Pakistani military assets. Indian officials briefed several nations, including the US, UK, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Russia, on the operation, signaling an effort to manage international perceptions.
The Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the strikes as an “act of war,” vowing a robust response. Sharif convened an emergency meeting of the National Security Committee on May 7, 2025, to address the situation. Pakistan’s military claimed to have shot down two Indian planes and one drone, though Indian sources have denied these claims. Pakistan also reported launching retaliatory strikes, though details remain sparse.
International and Regional Impact
The operation has heightened tensions in an already volatile region. Both India and have taken diplomatic measures, including expelling diplomats, closing borders, and suspending airspace. India also reportedly suspended a water-sharing treaty, further straining relations. The international community, aware of the nuclear capabilities of both nations, is closely monitoring the situation. While India has briefed several countries, there is limited information on global reactions as of May 7, 2025.
The operation’s timing, just hours before a planned security mock drill across 244 districts in India, suggests a high state of alertness. Airlines like IndiGo reported flight disruptions in northern India due to airspace restrictions, affecting routes to Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, and Bikaner.
Conclusion
Operation Sindoor represents a significant escalation in India relations, driven by the ongoing issue of terrorism in the region. India’s assertion that the strikes were necessary to combat terrorist threats contrasts with Pakistan’s view of the operation as an act of aggression. The emergence of online videos has brought the conflict into sharp focus, but their authenticity must be verified to avoid misinformation.
As both nations navigate this crisis, the risk of further escalation remains high. The international community’s role in de-escalating tensions will be critical, given the nuclear capabilities of both countries. For now, official statements and verified reports should guide public understanding of this complex and sensitive situation.
