Operation Sindoor: India targets Pak terror bases; Shahbaz Sharif warns of retaliation; J&K schools shut

In the early hours of 7 May 2025, India carried out a carefully coordinated military operation named Operation Sindoor, launching precision strikes on nine identified terror bases located in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The strikes were conducted in response to a recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals, including one Nepali national, which happened on April 22, Tuesday. And now, the Operation Sindoor took place exactly two weeks after the attack.

When did Operation Sindoor happen?

According to official sources, the strikes that took place on Wednesday were executed with the cooperation of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The operation was highly focused, involving the use of special precision munitions to eliminate camps associated with terror organisations such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. These groups have a history of orchestrating cross-border terror operations targeting India.

What were the locations for the Operation Sindoor

Out of the nine locations struck, four were deep within Pakistani territory, including Bahawalpur (100 km), Muridke (30 km), Gulpur (35 km) and Sawai Camp (30 km). The remaining five camps were located in PoK, namely Kotli (15 km), Barnala (10 km), Sarjal (8 km), Mehmoona (15 km), and Bilal Camp, for which the distance was not specified. Each of these sites is believed to have harboured or trained members of militant organisations.

In a statement, India¡¯s Ministry of Defence clarified that the targets were chosen with precision to avoid escalation, emphasising that no Pakistani military installations were hit. The statement further mentioned that India exercised restraint by only targeting infrastructure directly connected to terror activities against the country. The government reiterated its commitment to holding those responsible for the Pahalgam massacre accountable, regardless of their location.

PM of Pakistani reacts to the strikes

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the strikes, stating that they constituted an act of war. He warned that Pakistan retains the right to retaliate and claimed that both the country¡¯s military and its citizens stand prepared to defend the nation. Sharif¡¯s remarks underscored the severity with which Pakistan views the cross-border operation, potentially increasing tensions in the region.

Global reactions on the war situation between India and Pakistan

International attention quickly turned toward South Asia following the operation. United States Senator Marco Rubio commented that he is closely observing the developments and intends to remain in contact with officials from both nations to encourage a peaceful resolution. Echoing sentiments earlier expressed by President Donald Trump, Rubio hoped the situation would de-escalate soon.

President Trump, speaking shortly after the news broke, noted that the strikes were not unexpected, given the long-standing tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. He acknowledged the historical context of conflict between India and Pakistan and expressed a desire for the situation to stabilise rapidly.

Reporter: Any reaction to the attacks between India and Pakistan?

Trump: It's a shame. We just heard about it as we were walking in the doors of the oval. Just heard about it. I guess people knew something was going to happen based on a little bit of the past. They've been¡­ pic.twitter.com/lGfWsEZNuL

¡ª Acyn (@Acyn) May 6, 2025

Domestic precautions and school closures

Back home, the Indian government has taken precautionary measures to ensure civilian safety. As per a directive issued by the Divisional Commissioner of Jammu, all schools, colleges, and educational institutions in the districts of Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, and Poonch will remain closed on 7 May 2025. These closures are a part of the government¡¯s broader civil defence preparedness strategy and aim to minimise risk in the event of any escalation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been actively monitoring the situation and Operation Sindoor, and reiterated that those responsible for supporting terrorism on Indian soil would face consequences, regardless of their location.

The government¡¯s swift and strategic action through Operation Sindoor underscores a shift in India¡¯s counterterrorism approach, measured, direct, and backed by strong international awareness, while also preparing its civil infrastructure for any fallout.