New Delhi [India]: In response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people on April 22, the Indian Armed Forces launched precision strikes on terrorist infrastructure located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) early Wednesday morning. The retaliatory operation, dubbed “Operation Sindoor,” targeted nine terror camps associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and Hizbul Mujahideen.
At a joint press briefing in Delhi, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh detailed the mission, which was carried out between 1:05 am and 1:30 am in a coordinated effort by India’s Army, Navy, and Air Force.
“Four of the destroyed camps are located inside Pakistan — in Bahawalpur, Muridke, Sarjal, and Mehmoona Joya — while the remaining five were in PoJK,” said Colonel Qureshi.
“No military installations were targeted, and there are no confirmed reports of civilian casualties.”
Wing Commander Singh emphasized the strategic and retaliatory nature of the strikes, noting that Pakistan has been operating a complex network of 21 terror hubs for recruitment and training across its territory and PoJK.
US Embassy Issues Security Alert
In the wake of the strikes, the US Embassy in India issued a travel advisory urging American citizens to avoid visiting Jammu and Kashmir, citing heightened security risks and potential unrest.
“U.S. citizens should avoid travel to the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir,” the advisory stated, reaffirming that US government personnel remain prohibited from traveling to the region.
The embassy also alerted citizens to flight disruptions across India and encouraged them to enroll in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive timely security updates.
Citizens were advised to review their personal security plans, ensure valid passports, monitor social media for updates, and notify friends and family of their safety status.
Background and Implications
The strike comes amidst growing concerns over Pakistan’s continued support for cross-border terrorism. According to Indian officials, Operation Sindoor was designed to dismantle key launchpads and indoctrination centers fueling terror operations against India.
This development marks a significant escalation in India’s counter-terror doctrine and may have diplomatic and regional security ramifications in the days to come.