Operation Sindoor
Why in News?
- India launched Operation Sindoor on May 6, 2025, in retaliation for the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 Hindu pilgrims. The operation targeted nine terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), aiming to dismantle facilities associated with groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Important Key Points:
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Targets and Execution: The Indian Armed Forces conducted precision air and drone strikes on nine locations identified as terrorist infrastructure. These sites were believed to be linked to the planning and execution of cross-border terrorist activities against India.
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Casualties and Damage: Indian officials reported the elimination of key terrorist operatives, including relatives of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar. Pakistan, however, claimed that the strikes resulted in civilian casualties, including the deaths of 26 individuals and damage to structures such as mosques.
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Military Response: Pakistan responded by authorizing its armed forces to undertake corresponding actions, leading to intense artillery exchanges along the Line of Control. Reports indicate that Pakistan shot down multiple Indian fighter jets, escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
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International Reactions: The international community expressed concern over the escalating conflict. Leaders from the United States, United Kingdom, China, Russia, and the United Nations called for immediate de-escalation and restraint from both sides.
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Domestic Measures: In anticipation of potential retaliatory actions, India conducted mock drills across 27 locations, including in Assam, and implemented security measures such as flight cancellations and airport closures in affected regions.
