India struck hard and decisively. On May 7, in a tri-service operation named Operation Sindoor, Indian Armed Forces dismantled Pakistan’s most critical terror infrastructure in a lightning precision strike. It was a direct retaliation for the brutal Pahalgam terror attack where Hindu tourists were shot dead after being asked their religion.
Pahalgam to Precision: Why Operation Sindoor Mattered
Named in remembrance of the bloodied sindoor left behind after the killings, Operation Sindoor targeted the very roots of Pakistan’s jihadist infrastructure. The military strike focused on nine high-value locations, including Markaz Taiba in Muridke and Markaz Subhan Allah in Bahawalpur—core hubs of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad, respectively.
These facilities weren’t just terror schools; they were epicentres of indoctrination, weapons training, and cross-border infiltration planning, all sheltered by Pakistan’s military-intelligence complex.
Nine Targets, One Message: Zero Tolerance
The targets:
- Markaz Taiba (Muridke): LeT’s most significant base, linked to the 26/11 attacks.
- Markaz Subhan Allah (Bahawalpur): Home and HQ of Jaish, housing Masood Azhar and other top commanders.
- Sarjal / Tehra Kalan (Narowal): Operates from a primary health center, used for infiltration and drone drops.
- Mehmoona Joya Facility (Sialkot): Hizbul Mujahideen camp disguised as a government building.
- Markaz Ahle Hadith Barnala (PoJK): LeT hub for infiltration into Poonch-Rajouri.
- Markaz Abbas (Kotli): JeM facility used for planning cross-border attacks.
- Maskar Raheel Shahid (Kotli, PoJK): HM training camp for sniping and guerrilla warfare.
- Shawai Nallah Camp (Muzaffarabad): Known LeT base used in 26/11, also trains with Pakistani Army help.
- Markaz Syedna Bilal (Muzaffarabad): Transit and training facility for JeM, hosts 50–100 cadres at a time.
Strikes were executed using Rafale jets, Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher, SCALP missiles, loitering munitions, and drones. Indian Navy and Army provided logistical and intelligence coordination. Notably, only terror infrastructure was hit—no Pakistani military bases were touched, despite their proximity.
PM Modi’s Clear Mandate: Strike Terror, Strike Hard
The operation was greenlit at the highest level. Prime Minister Modi monitored developments through the night. This follows his assurance that India would not let the Pahalgam massacre go unanswered.
India made it clear: terrorism has a cost. And the cost was paid in Bahawalpur, Muridke, Sialkot, and PoJK.
Pakistan Reacts With Empty Threats After Sindoor
Pakistan’s military confirmed the strikes, calling them an act of aggression. Yet, global reaction remained muted. UNSC members had just days ago rebuked Pakistan for shielding Lashkar and Jaish. They affirmed India’s right to pursue the perpetrators of the Pahalgam massacre.
Pakistan’s attempts to provoke global sympathy have failed repeatedly. Its nuclear rhetoric and missile drills are being seen as desperate and escalatory.
Strategic Impact: Terror Network Decapitated
The scale and precision of Operation Sindoor will leave lasting damage. These were not symbolic strikes. These were structural takedowns. From radicalisation hubs to infiltration launchpads, the entire pipeline of jihadist terror has taken a major hit.
With the ISI’s most prized assets blown to rubble and the world silent in response, India has redrawn the rules of engagement. This was not Balakot 2.0. This was much deeper.