Operation Sindoor: India’s Historic Tri-Services Strike on Terror Bases in Pakistan
India Strikes Nine Terrorist Bases in Retaliation to Pahalgam Attack
In a historic and decisive military move, India launched Operation Sindoor — a coordinated, multi-branch operation involving the Army, Navy, and Air Force — early on Wednesday. The operation specifically targeted nine terrorist-affiliated sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in response to the deadly Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, which killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists.
The offensive focused on destroying critical operational, training, and logistical hubs utilized by terror outfits like Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Hizbul Mujahideen, and other associated groups operating from across the border.
Why These Targets Were Chosen: Strategic Military Reasoning Behind Operation Sindoor
Every location chosen for Operation Sindoor has historically been linked to major terror plots and infiltration attempts against India. The nine selected sites were identified based on cumulative intelligence reports detailing their roles in supporting and launching cross-border terrorist activities.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key targets:
- Bahawalpur: Headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed, associated with the 2001 Parliament attack and the 2019 Pulwama suicide bombing.
- Muridke: Training base of Lashkar-e-Taiba, known for planning the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
- Kotli: A major terror launch base and suicide bomber training camp in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
- Gulpur: Previously used as a staging ground for attacks in Rajouri and Poonch in 2023–2024.
- Sawai: Linked to attacks in Sonmarg, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam.
- Sarjal and Barnala: Known infiltration routes due to their proximity to the Line of Control (LoC).
- Mehmoona: A base for the Hizbul Mujahideen, still operational despite a decline in influence.
The operation commenced at 1:44 AM with long-range standoff weaponry for precision strikes, marking the first tri-services offensive since the 1971 India-Pakistan war.
Aftermath: International Reactions and Strategic Implications
Following the strikes, major airports in Pakistan were reportedly shut down for 48 hours as a precautionary measure. India, maintaining a clear stance, asserted that no Pakistani military installations were targeted — focusing strictly on terror hubs.
In parallel, India launched a diplomatic offensive, briefing world powers like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Russia, the USA, and the UK about the operation’s rationale and objectives. Early reports indicate varied international responses, with some nations acknowledging India’s right to self-defense.
Operation Sindoor represents a significant escalation in India’s counter-terror strategy, indicating a shift towards preemptive, coordinated military responses to cross-border terroris