India's 'Operation Sindoor' Strikes Terror Camps in Pakistan

India has launched a series of military strikes, codenamed "Operation Sindoor," targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), the Indian government confirmed today. The operation, conducted in the early hours of Wednesday, was a direct retaliation to the recent deadly attack on civilians in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Sources report that multiple camps associated with terror groups were destroyed in the operation, which was described as "focused, measured, and non-escalatory." The Indian government highlighted that no Pakistani military installations were hit during the strikes, ensuring the preservation of civilian areas.

In response, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the attack an "act of war," escalating tensions between the two nations. Sharif convened an urgent meeting with senior military officials to assess the situation. On the Indian side, Prime Minister Narendra Modi canceled his upcoming three-nation visit to Norway, Croatia, and the Netherlands, a decision made due to the heightened security concerns.

India's actions have garnered both domestic and international reactions. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri addressed the media, stating that the operation aimed to deliver justice for the 26 civilians killed in the Pahalgam attack on April 22. Misri also took the opportunity to highlight Pakistan's role as a "safe haven" for terrorists, citing the case of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative Sajid Mir, who was initially reported dead before being arrested under international pressure.

Operation Sindoor has raised global concerns over escalating violence in the region. Several world leaders have urged India and Pakistan to exercise restraint, advocating for a de-escalation of tensions through dialogue and diplomatic efforts. Meanwhile, the United States issued a security alert, urging its citizens to avoid areas of active conflict near the India-Pakistan border and to leave conflict zones immediately.

In a symbolic gesture, two women officers, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, were tasked with leading the media briefing on the operation. Their presence highlighted the role of women in the Indian military and underscored India's commitment to confronting terrorism head-on.

Notably, the strikes targeted nine terror camps across both Pakistan and PoK. Colonel Qureshi clarified that the targets were carefully chosen to break the backbone of terrorism while avoiding collateral damage. "No military installations were affected," she confirmed. Wing Commander Singh added that the strikes were part of India's broader strategy to dismantle the terror infrastructure built over decades by Pakistan.

Political leaders from Jammu and Kashmir have also expressed support for the operation. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called it a "befitting response" to the killings of innocent civilians in Pahalgam, stressing that no civilian casualties occurred during the strikes. He also reassured local citizens that essential services remained unaffected, and the situation was under control in the region.

The operation has triggered further scrutiny of Pakistan's internal policies and its stance on terrorism. Foreign Secretary Misri pointed out that Pakistan has frequently misled the international community about the status of terrorists within its borders. He referenced the case of Sajid Mir, whose death was initially claimed by Pakistan, only for the individual to be found alive following international pressure.

In the wake of the operation, Indian officials have warned of the possibility of more terror attacks originating from Pakistan, urging continued vigilance. "Our intelligence agencies have flagged the potential for further attacks, and it is crucial that we remain prepared," said Misri.

Operation Sindoor marks a significant escalation in India’s approach to countering terrorism, especially considering the fact that it involved strikes within Pakistani territory. The operation has further strained relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, with both governments now facing increased international pressure to defuse the situation.