India Attacked Pakistan , codenamed ‘Operation Sindoor’ Targeting Militant Sites in Pakistan; Regional Tensions Escalate
May 7, 2025 | Dubai
In a significant military maneuver, India launched a series of precision missile strikes on May 6, 2025, targeting nine locations within Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The operation, codenamed ‘Operation Sindoor,’ was initiated in response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 Hindu pilgrims. Indian authorities attribute the attack to Pakistan-based militant organizations, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.
Strategic Targets and Civilian Impact
The Indian Ministry of Defence stated that the strikes were meticulously planned to target infrastructure utilized by militant groups, deliberately avoiding Pakistani military installations to prevent further escalation. Despite these precautions, Pakistani officials reported that the attacks resulted in at least eight civilian fatalities, including a child, and injured over 35 individuals. Notably, a mosque in Bahawalpur was among the structures damaged during the strikes.
Pakistan’s Response and Military Engagement
In retaliation, Pakistan’s military claimed to have shot down five Indian fighter jets and a drone, asserting that Indian aircraft had violated its airspace. India has not confirmed these claims. Additionally, Pakistani forces conducted artillery shelling across the Line of Control, resulting in the deaths of three civilians in Indian-administered Kashmir.
Diplomatic Fallout and International Reactions
The Pakistani government condemned India’s actions as an “act of war,” with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif pledging a “robust response” at a time and place of Pakistan’s choosing. In the wake of these developments, both nations have taken diplomatic measures, including the suspension of visas and the downgrading of diplomatic ties. Furthermore, airspace closures and flight cancellations have been reported, affecting civilian air traffic in the region.
International leaders have expressed concern over the escalating tensions. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged both countries to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue to prevent further conflict. U.S. President Donald Trump described the situation as “a shame” and expressed hope for a swift resolution.
Historical Context and Ongoing Conflict
The recent hostilities mark one of the most severe escalations between India and Pakistan since the 2019 Balakot airstrikes. The longstanding Kashmir conflict, rooted in territorial disputes since the 1947 partition, continues to be a flashpoint for military and political tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Analysts warn that without concerted diplomatic efforts, the region risks descending into a broader conflict with potentially catastrophic consequences.
This is a developing story. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.