Indian forces eliminate over 100 terrorists in Operation Sindoor

In the wake of a brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians on April 22, 2025, the Indian Armed Forces launched a decisive military operation, codenamed Operation Sindoor, aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure across the border in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation commenced in the early hours of May 7, 2025, resulting in the destruction of nine significant terrorist camps in key locations known for harboring militants linked to previous attacks on India, including the hijacking of Indian Airlines IC-814 in 1999 and the Pulwama terror attack in 2019. During the operation, over 100 terrorists, including high-value targets, were reportedly killed, showcasing India's commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the operation as a testament to India's strategic resolve in combating terrorism during the inauguration of the BrahMos Integration and Testing Facility Centre in Lucknow. He reiterated the historical context of India's proactive military actions, recalling previous surgical strikes and air strikes in response to terror attacks, thus reaffirming the country’s determination to uphold its national security in the face of ongoing threats. Additionally, the minister highlighted that the operation was conducted while ensuring the safety of innocent civilians, unlike the indiscriminate attacks often perpetrated by perpetrators across the border. In response to the Indian strikes, Pakistani military forces attempted to engage multiple military targets in Northern and Western India, resulting in a fraught exchange of fire. The Indian military successfully neutralized these threats with advanced air defense systems that protected key military installations and prevented casualties. As potential retaliatory aggression was anticipated, the Indian government decided to maintain a vigilant stance while temporarily suspending further counter-operations, maintaining close surveillance of ongoing Pakistani military activities. This decisive action marked a significant shift in India's approach to dealing with cross-border terrorism. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi proclaimed the success of Operation Sindoor during a national address, framing the operation within his broader vision of zero tolerance toward terrorism and conveying a clear message to terrorist organizations about the consequences of their actions against India. He detailed the strategic advantages of the operation and its role in safeguarding the country's territorial integrity. With multiple operations executed in the past effectively curbing terrorism, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of solidarity among Indian citizens and the armed forces in this renewed commitment to national security. The operation, as conveyed by government officials, has set a new precedent in India's counter-terrorism strategy, aimed at stabilizing the security landscape by decisively responding to provocations.