In a major escalation of military tensions, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, targeting nine suspected terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. This came as a retaliatory strike following the Pahalgam terrorist attack in Jammu & Kashmir, which left 26 civilians dead. The operation involved airstrikes and missile attacks, allegedly aimed at terrorist camps in Pakistan, sparking immediate global concern over a full-scale India-Pakistan conflict. Many are now asking: “What is Operation Sindoor?”, “How many were killed in the airstrike in Pakistan today?”, and “What was Pakistan’s response?” — all of which we answer in this comprehensive breakdown.
🧨 What is Operation Sindoor? – A Background on the Trigger
Operation Sindoor is India's code name for a military operation launched in response to a brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Anantnag district, on April 22, 2025. Armed militants believed to be backed by Pakistan-based groups — notably Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, whose leadership includes Masood Azhar — killed 26 people, including Nepali and Hindu pilgrims.
According to Indian intelligence, the attackers came from Bahawalpur, a region previously cited as a terrorist training hub in Pakistan.
🚀 Strike Details: Locations, Casualties, and Targets
India claimed it launched precision missile attacks on nine targets in areas such as:
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Bahawalpur
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Muridke
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Pakistan-administered Kashmir (PoK)
These areas allegedly housed terrorist training camps and logistical centers. Pakistan, however, reported that 26 civilians were killed, including two children, and 35 others were injured. India stated that at least three civilians were killed by return fire from across the Line of Control (LoC).
🇵🇰 Pakistan’s Military Response
In response to the Indian strikes, Pakistan claimed to have:
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Shot down five Indian aircraft, including Rafale and MiG-29 jets
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Destroyed an Indian brigade headquarters and several LoC checkposts
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Deployed heightened air defenses and temporarily closed its airspace for 48 hours
Pakistan's military held an urgent press conference where they denounced India's "aggressive provocation" and warned of further retaliatory strikes if attacks persisted.
🕊️ International Reaction and Peace Efforts
Global powers reacted quickly:
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United Nations: Secretary-General António Guterres urged restraint and dialogue, stressing the risk of a nuclear confrontation.
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China: Called the strikes "regrettable" and pressed for diplomatic talks.
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United States: Expressed concern, offering to mediate.
These reactions reflect the gravity of the situation and the need for de-escalation between India and Pakistan.
🔍 Search Trends & FAQs
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What is Operation Sindoor?
A military operation by India against Pakistan-based terror camps in response to the Pahalgam attack. -
Where did India attack in Pakistan?
Bahawalpur, Muridke, and parts of PoK were among the targeted locations. -
Was the Operation preplanned?
Yes, Indian officials stated that the operation was meticulously planned using satellite intelligence and was greenlit after confirmation of terrorist activity. -
How did Pakistan respond?
With counterclaims of aerial defense victories and threats of corresponding military action.
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Final Thoughts
Operation Sindoor marks one of the most intense military confrontations in recent India-Pakistan history. While both sides claim strategic wins, the real cost is civilian suffering and the looming threat of regional instability. As tensions escalate, the world watches — hoping diplomacy prevails before missiles fly again.