India’s Deep Strike under Operation Sindoor: Pakistan’s Air Defence Destroyed

In a bold and precise military operation, India carried out deep air strikes against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) on the night of May 7, 2025. Codenamed Operation Sindoor, this mission was a response to the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22, which killed 26 people, including civilians and an Indian Navy officer.

The Indian strike marks the first aerial military action deep inside Pakistan’s Punjab province since the 1971 war, and was closely monitored by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who also coined the operation’s symbolic name.

Key Objective of Operation Sindoor

The primary objective of Operation Sindoor was to:

• Avenge the Pahalgam terror attack.
• Neutralise active terrorist camps of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Hizbul Mujahideen.
• Deliver a proportionate and non-escalatory response, in accordance with India’s strategic deterrence doctrine.

According to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, the strikes were “measured, proportionate, and responsible” with a clear focus on dismantling terrorist infrastructure without targeting Pakistani military installations.

Pakistan’s HQ-9 Air Defence System Targeted

In a significant blow to Pakistan’s defensive capabilities, Indian missiles destroyed multiple HQ-9 air defence missile launchers, which are:

• Chinese-origin long-range surface-to-air missile systems.
• A core part of Pakistan’s layered air defence network.

Sources from ANI confirmed that Lahore and Bahawalpur, key military zones in Punjab province, faced substantial damage.

Precision Weapons Used by India

The operation showcased India’s advanced strike capabilities with the use of:

• SCALP Cruise Missiles
• HAMMER Smart Bombs
• Loitering Munitions
• Guided Bomb Kits

The 25-minute strike was carried out from 1:05 AM to 1:30 AM, with all nine targets neutralised with surgical precision. According to Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sophia Qureshi, each missile was directed at specific buildings, ensuring no collateral damage.

Targets Destroyed in Pakistan and PoK

The Indian Air Force and Army struck nine major terror camps, including:

1. Markaz Subhan Allah (Bahawalpur) – JeM headquarters.
2. Markaz Taiba (Muridke) – LeT’s base and training camp.
3. Mehmoona Joya Facility (Sialkot) – Hizbul Mujahideen centre.
4. Markaz Ahle Hadith (Barnala) – LeT logistics hub.
5. Shawai Nalla Camp (Muzaffarabad) – LeT mountainous camp.
6. Markaz Abbas and Maskar Raheel Shahid (Kotli) – JeM and HM facilities.
7. Syedna Bilal Camp (Muzaffarabad) – JeM’s radical training site.

The strike on Bahawalpur, located over 100 km from the Indian border, was especially symbolic, as it houses the JeM chief Masood Azhar’s residence.

Terrorist Casualties Confirmed

According to reports:

• At least 100 terrorists were killed.
• Masood Azhar’s sister and 10 of his family members, along with four close associates, were confirmed dead.
• The strikes crippled training and logistical infrastructure used for cross-border terrorism.

Pahalgam Attack: The Trigger Event

The April 22 attack at Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, was carried out by The Resistance Front (TRF), a known LeT proxy. The attack:

• Targeted tourists and locals.
• Killed 26 people, including an Indian Navy officer.
• Occurred within 70 km of Srinagar.

This gruesome act was the immediate trigger for Operation Sindoor, following which PM Modi granted the forces “complete operational freedom”.

India’s International Messaging

In line with UN Security Council statements about holding terror sponsors accountable, India acted:

• With restraint: Avoiding civilian casualties.
• With focus: Striking only terror infrastructure.
• With legitimacy: Backed by international intelligence and legal standing.

NSA Ajit Doval briefed counterparts in the USA, Saudi Arabia, and UAE, asserting India’s right to self-defence and clarifying its non-escalatory intent.

Pakistan’s Reaction and Global Response

Pakistan responded with:

• Mortar and artillery shelling along the LoC, particularly in Poonch, Uri, Rajouri, and Mendhar sectors.
• 13 civilian casualties, including 4 children and 1 soldier in India.
• A warning from PM Shehbaz Sharif about a “befitting reply”.
• A contradictory statement from Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, suggesting readiness to de-escalate.

The Pakistan Foreign Ministry termed the Indian strikes as “unprovoked violations,” while the Pakistan Army claimed 26 deaths and 46 injuries on its side.

In the US, President Donald Trump expressed hope for quick de-escalation, calling the situation “a shame” but not offering mediation.