08/05/2025
Operation Sindoor 2025 refers to a series of military strikes launched by India against militant groups in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Pakistan's Punjab province. Here's what went down ¹:
- *Background*: The operation was a response to a terrorist attack on April 22, 2025, near Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir, which killed 28 civilians, mostly Hindu tourists. The attack was claimed by The Resistance Front, an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba.
- *The Strikes*: On May 7, 2025, India launched a series of 14 attacks, codenamed Operation Sindoor, targeting nine locations in Pakistani-administered Kashmir and Pakistan's Punjab province. India claimed the strikes targeted militant groups Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, while Pakistan said civilian areas were hit, killing 31 people.
- *Retaliation*: Pakistan responded with cross-border artillery fire, killing 15 Indian civilians, and attempted drone and missile strikes on Indian cities, which were intercepted by India's S-400 missile system.
- *Aftermath*: The operation led to increased tensions between India and Pakistan, with both countries engaging in military posturing. The Pakistani airspace was closed for 48 hours, and flights were cancelled. Schools and colleges in Pakistani Punjab were closed, while board examinations were postponed.
- *Casualties and Damage*: According to Pakistan, 31 people were killed and 46 injured in the Indian strikes. India claimed that Pakistani artillery fire killed 15 civilians and injured 43. The operation also resulted in significant disruptions to air travel, with several flights cancelled at Delhi airport.
- *International Response*: The US asked its citizens to leave Lahore or seek shelter due to the escalating situation.
It's worth noting that the operation is part of the broader Kashmir conflict between India and Pakistan, which has been ongoing since 1947. The situation remains volatile, with both countries continuing to exchange fire and rhetoric.
