Decoding Operation Sindhoor: A Response to Terror

The Preceding Event: The Pahalgam Terror Attack (April 22, 2025)

The tranquility of Pahalgam, often referred to as the "Valley of Shepherds" and a jewel in the crown of Jammu and Kashmir's tourism, was shattered on the afternoon of April 22, 2025. A group of five heavily armed terrorists descended upon the Baisaran Valley, a picturesque meadow approximately six kilometers from the main Pahalgam town. This area, surrounded by dense pine forests and accessible mainly by foot or horseback, was teeming with tourists enjoying the serene landscape.

Eyewitness accounts painted a horrifying picture of the attack. The militants, clad in military-style uniforms and wielding automatic weapons like AK-47s and possibly M4 carbines, reportedly emerged from the dense foliage and began firing indiscriminately at the unsuspecting tourists. Initial reports indicated that the attackers specifically targeted the male Hindu tourists. Survivors recounted how the terrorists asked for names and inquired about their religion. Some victims were forced to recite the Islamic Kalima (declaration of faith) to distinguish Muslims from non-Muslims.

The brutality of the attack was particularly disturbing. Hindu men were reportedly separated from women and children and then shot at point-blank range. Some accounts even suggested that the attackers checked for circumcision to further identify Hindu victims. One survivor recounted how her newlywed husband was shot dead in front of her after identifying himself as Hindu.

Among the 26 killed were 25 tourists and a local Muslim pony operator, Syed Adil Hussain Shah, who bravely attempted to resist the terrorists by trying to snatch a weapon before being gunned down himself. The victims included newly married couples, government officials (including personnel from the Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, and the Intelligence Bureau), and a tourist from Nepal. Over 20 others sustained injuries, many of them critically.

The attack was captured inadvertently on video by a tourist who was ziplining in the area, providing chilling footage of the chaos, the injured crying for help, and bodies strewn across the meadow. This visual evidence amplified the shock and grief across the nation.

A grieving wife mourns her husband, a victim of the Pahalgam terror attack, whose life was tragically taken by terrorists.

The Claim of Responsibility and the Perpetrators:

Within hours of the attack, a relatively lesser-known terror outfit called "The Resistance Front" (TRF) claimed responsibility through a message on the Telegram messaging app. The TRF, believed to be a front organization for the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), stated that the attack was in retaliation against the Indian government's policies regarding the settlement of non-locals in Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370. However, in a perplexing turn of events a few days later, the TRF denied any involvement, attributing their initial claim to a "coordinated cyber intrusion." This denial was met with skepticism by Indian security agencies, who continued to believe in the TRF's and by extension, the LeT's involvement.

Intelligence reports later suggested that the attack was orchestrated by Sheikh Sajjad Gul, the head of the TRF, operating from Pakistan under the protection of the LeT. Investigations also revealed that some of the terrorists involved had received advanced military training in Pakistan, possibly by the Special Service Group (SSG). One of the key identified terrorists, Hashim Musa, was even reported to have served as a para-commando in the Pakistani SSG before joining the LeT.

Immediate Aftermath and India's Response:

The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, took a firm stance. Top officials, including the Home Minister, visited the affected region. The government vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice and signaled a significant shift in its counter-terrorism strategy.

In the immediate aftermath, India took several strong diplomatic and economic steps against Pakistan, including:

1. Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty: A crucial water-sharing agreement was suspended indefinitely as a punitive measure.
2. Expulsion of Pakistani Diplomats: The number of Pakistani diplomats in India was significantly reduced.
3. Closure of Borders: The Wagah-Attari border crossing was closed for civilian movement.
4. Cancellation of Visas: Visas for Pakistani nationals were canceled.

India's Response: Operation Sindhoor (Launched May 7, 2025)

Following intelligence gathering and strategic planning, the Indian Armed Forces launched "Operation Sindhoor" on the night of May 6 and the early morning of May 7, 2025. The operation was a multi-domain offensive involving the Army, Air Force, and Navy, with a clear objective: to dismantle terrorist infrastructure inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) from where attacks against India were being planned and executed.

Key Actions by the Indian Army and Air Force:

1. Precision Strikes on Terrorist Infrastructure: India conducted precise air and ground strikes, targeting nine identified high-value terrorist launchpads and training camps linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen. These locations were deep inside Pakistan and PoK, including areas like Punjab province and Bahawalpur, which were previously considered beyond reach.


Pakistan F-16 Shot Down By Indian Surface-To-Air Missile

2. Targeting Key Terrorist Operatives: Several high-value terrorist operatives, including those involved in past attacks like the IC814 hijack and the Pulwama bombing, were reportedly eliminated in these strikes. The leadership of multiple terror modules was dismantled.
3. Retaliation Against Pakistan's Military Response: Pakistan retaliated to the initial Indian strikes with drone and missile attacks targeting Indian military installations and even civilian areas. India's air defense systems, including the Akashteer system, successfully intercepted many of these threats.
4. Strikes on Pakistani Air Bases: In response to Pakistan's aggression, India escalated its actions and conducted strikes on at least eleven Pakistani air bases across the Western Front, including Nur Khan, Rafiqui, and Sargodha. These strikes reportedly caused significant damage to Pakistan's air force infrastructure, estimated at around 20%.


India attacked nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK over 80 terrorits eliminated in strikes

5. Naval Deployment: The Indian Navy deployed in the Arabian Sea to deter Pakistani naval movements and maintain operational readiness.
6. Emphasis on Precision and Non-Escalation (Initially): India initially emphasized that its strikes were targeted solely at terrorist infrastructure to avoid civilian and general military casualties, signaling a measured response. However, the escalation by Pakistan led to a broader targeting of military assets.


Indian armed forces conducted precision missile strikes on nine terrorist targets across Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK)

Pakistan Calls for a Ceasefire (May 10, 2025)

After facing significant losses and infrastructure damage, Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) contacted his Indian counterpart on the afternoon of May 10, 2025, proposing a cessation of hostilities. A ceasefire agreement was reached, effective from 5:00 PM IST on the same day, encompassing all military actions on land, air, and sea.

Pakistan Violates the Ceasefire (Hours After Agreement)

Despite agreeing to the ceasefire, Pakistan violated it within hours. Cross-border firing and drone intrusions were reported in various sectors of Jammu and Kashmir, as well as in Gujarat. India's Foreign Secretary strongly condemned these violations, stating that the Indian armed forces were responding appropriately and were instructed to retaliate firmly to any further breaches.

Image related to ceasefire violations

Aftermath and Continued Tensions

• India accused Pakistan of bad faith and emphasized that the ceasefire was a pause, and any future provocations would be met with a strong response.
• Prime Minister Modi, in a public address, stated that India had only "paused" military action and would act decisively if another terror attack occurred. He also ruled out any talks with Pakistan unless they pertained to terrorism or the return of PoK.
• Despite the ceasefire agreement, tensions along the border remained high, with reports of continued violations and heightened vigilance on the Indian side.
• The international community, particularly the US, had reportedly played a role in pushing both sides towards de-escalation, although India maintained that the ceasefire was a bilateral decision.

Indian Military Assets Used During Operation Sindhoor

Aircrafts used by India

For Offensive Strikes

Aircraft	Description	Image
Dassault Rafale	Advanced multirole fighter jet used for precision deep strikes.
Sukhoi Su-30MKI	Mainstay multirole fighter for air superiority and strike roles.
Dassault Mirage 2000	Used for precision strike missions against specific terrorist infrastructure.

Loitering Munitions (Kamikaze Drones):

Drone	Description	Image
IAI Harop	Israeli-origin loitering munition used to target Pakistani air defense systems and radar sites.
SkyStriker	Indigenous loitering munitions that made their combat debut during Operation Sindhoor, used for precision strikes in forward areas.

Helicopters

Helicopters	Description	Image
Boeing AH-64 Apache	Attack helicopters likely provided cover for ground operations and reconnaissance.

For Defensive Actions

Aircraft	Description	Image
Mikoyan MiG-29 UPG	Upgraded air superiority fighter, likely involved in countering Pakistani aircraft.

Air Defense Systems

Defense System	Description	Image
Akash Missile System	Indigenously developed surface-to-air missile system, highly effective in intercepting Pakistani drones and missiles.
L-70 Anti-Aircraft Gun (Upgraded)	Used to counter low-flying threats, particularly drone swarms, with enhanced radar and auto-tracking.
ZSU-23-4 Schilka (Upgraded)	Russian-origin air defense gun system, upgraded with modern fire control, used against drone incursions.

For Offensive Actions

Weapon	Description	Image
SCALP Cruise Missile	Long-range, air-launched cruise missile for precision deep strikes.
HAMMER Precision-Guided Bombs	Used for striking medium-range targets and mobile assets with flexibility in targeting.
BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile	Reportedly used for the first time in live combat, targeting strategic Pakistani airbases and military installations with high precision and speed.
Anti-Tank Missiles	While not specifically mentioned for strikes on infrastructure, they would be part of the arsenal for any ground incursions or special forces operations.

For Defense Actions

Weapon	Description	Image
Air-to-Air Missiles	Carried by Indian fighter jets to engage and shoot down enemy aircraft. Specific types used would depend on the aircraft involved (e.g., R-77, MICA).
Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs)	As mentioned above, the Akash system was key in neutralizing aerial threats.

Anti-Drone Systems

Anti-Drone System	Description	Image
D4 Anti-Drone System	Indigenous system used for detection and neutralization of Pakistani drones.
Electronic Warfare Systems	Used to jam and disrupt enemy drone operations.
Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs)	While not explicitly confirmed for widespread use, reports suggest India has been developing DEWs for anti-drone purposes, and their limited deployment cannot be ruled out.

In summary, Operation Sindhoor was a swift and targeted response by the Indian Army to a major terrorist attack, demonstrating India's resolve to act against terrorist infrastructure across its borders. The subsequent ceasefire and its violation highlight the continued volatility of the region.