Operation Sindoor, launched by India on May 7, 2025, was a significant military response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that resulted in the deaths of 26 Indian civilians. The operation targeted what India identified as terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.(Indiatimes, Anadolu Ajansı)
Casualties Reported by Pakistan’s ISPR
According to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Indian strikes led to the deaths of 11 Pakistani military personnel and 40 civilians. The civilian casualties included seven women and 15 children. Additionally, 121 individuals were injured, comprising 10 women and 27 children. The military fatalities consisted of six army soldiers and five Pakistan Air Force (PAF) personnel. (India Today, Dawn, The Express Tribune)
Indian Military Objectives and Claims
India stated that the operation aimed to dismantle terrorist networks responsible for the Pahalgam attack. Targets included nine locations associated with groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Notably, India claimed to have eliminated Abdul Rauf Azhar, a JeM leader linked to the 2002 murder of American journalist Daniel Pearl. (The Guardian, The US Sun)
The Indian Air Force utilized Rafale jets equipped with SCALP cruise missiles and Hammer bombs during the 23-minute operation. Significant damage was reported at the Bholari air base in Sindh, where over 50 individuals, including Squadron Leader Usman Yusuf, were killed. Several PAF fighter jets were also destroyed. (Wikipedia, The Indian Express)
Escalation and International Response
Following Operation Sindoor, Pakistan conducted retaliatory strikes, leading to further casualties on both sides. Cross-border shelling intensified along the Line of Control (LoC), resulting in civilian deaths and injuries. The international community, including the United Nations and major powers, expressed concern over the escalating tensions and urged both nations to exercise restraint. (Indiatimes, The Guardian)
The situation remains volatile, with both countries maintaining heightened military alertness. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing to de-escalate the conflict and prevent further loss of life.(The Times of India)
Satellite Images of Damaged Pakistani Air Bases
Before-and-after satellite images from Maxar Technologies and NDTV reveal extensive damage to four major Pakistani airbases following India’s Operation Sindoor. The imagery indicates significant structural degradation, confirming the effectiveness of India’s targeted offensive. www.ndtv.com+5The Times of India+5The Times of India+5
Pakistan’s ISPR Releases Photos of Fallen Soldiers
Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) released photographs of 11 military personnel, including a squadron leader, who were killed during the Indian airstrikes. The casualties included 40 civilians, with 121 others injured, highlighting the human toll of the operation. The Times of India
Satellite Images of Terrorist Infrastructure Damage
High-resolution satellite images have been released showing extensive damage to terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). These visuals provide clear evidence of the scale of destruction caused by the operation.
India’s Prime Minister Modi Visits Adampur Air Base
In a strategic move, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Adampur Air Base, accompanied by airmen and a MiG-29 fighter jet. A photograph from this visit went viral, effectively countering Pakistan’s misinformation campaign and showcasing India’s military preparedness. @EconomicTimes+1Maharashtra Times+1
Video Coverage of Operation Sindoor
For a visual overview of Operation Sindoor, including satellite images and expert analysis, you may find the following video informative: