Operation Sindoor – Indian Counterterrorism Operation 

In May 2025, Indian armed forces carried out a counterterrorism operation codenamed ‘Operation Sindoor’ in response to the persistent cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan. The operation involved precise strikes targeting terrorist infrastructure within Pakistan, including facilities linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Operation Sindoor is one of the most extensive cross-border actions by India since the Balakot airstrikes of 2019.

Context and Background of Operation Sindoor

The operation was a direct response to the increasing terrorist activities orchestrated by JeM and LeT, which have been responsible for numerous attacks on Indian soil over the past two decades. The targeted sites, including Bahawalpur, Kotli, and Muridke, are known centers for extremist operations. These areas have long been associated with terrorist training camps and the launch of infiltration operations into Jammu & Kashmir.

Pakistan has officially acknowledged that these sites were targeted, highlighting the operation’s significant impact on disrupting terrorist operations.

Targeted Terrorist Facilities

The operation focused on high-value targets linked to both JeM and LeT, as detailed below:

1. Markaz Subhan Allah (Bahawalpur, Pakistan)

JeM headquarters since 2015, linked to the 2019 Pulwama attack. It has been instrumental in providing weapons, religious, and combat training, and housing key JeM leaders like Masood Azhar.

Markaz Taiba (Muridke, Pakistan)

The main LeT training center since 2000, partially funded by Osama bin Laden, and responsible for training the 26/11 Mumbai attackers. This site has been a critical training ground for terrorists infiltrating India.

Sarjal/Tehra Kalan (Narowal, Pakistan)

JeM facility near the Samba sector (6 km from India), used for tunneling and smuggling arms into India. It is crucial for cross-border infiltration into Jammu & Kashmir.

Mehmooda Joya Facility (Sialkot, Pakistan)

Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) used this facility, located in a government school, to train operatives and facilitate infiltration into Jammu.

Markaz Ahle Hadith Barnala (Bhimber, PoJK)

LeT base near Poonch-Rajouri-Reasi areas, housing 100–150 terrorists, used to infiltrate into Jammu & Kashmir.

Markaz Abbas (Kotli, PoJK)

A major JeM camp led by Hafiz Abdul Shakoor, accommodating 100–125 cadres for infiltration operations.

Weapons Employed in the Operation

India used high-precision military technology to carry out targeted strikes with minimal collateral damage, including the following weapons:

SCALP Missile (Storm Shadow)

A long-range (250+ km) air-launched cruise missile, known for its deep and precise strikes on hardened targets like terrorist hideouts and camps.

HAMMER Bombs (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range)

Used against bunkers and tall buildings, with a range of 50–70 km, capable of destroying terrorist infrastructures.

Loitering Munitions (Kamikaze Drones)

Drones were employed for surveillance, target identification, and final attacks, capable of hovering and striking precise targets.

Nature of the Operation

The strikes were characterized by high-precision missile attacks and drone surveillance, with specific targeting of terrorist infrastructure while avoiding damage to Pakistani military installations. The primary objective of Operation Sindoor was to hold accountable the groups responsible for anti-India terrorism.

India’s strategy involved minimizing collateral damage, focusing on critical terrorist hubs that have consistently planned and executed attacks on Indian soil.

Diplomatic Precedents

Before the operation, India had engaged in diplomatic efforts, including sending a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for large-scale military actions along the border. This indicated India’s preparedness and its intent to disrupt terrorist operations without escalating military conflict with Pakistan.

The operation is expected to have diplomatic ramifications, potentially influencing Pakistan’s standing in global forums regarding terrorism and its role in harboring terror groups.