Operation Sindoor: India Launches Precision Strikes In Pakistan, Rafale Jets Used To Bomb Down 80-90 Terrorists; 10 Key Takeaways

New Delhi: In a bold overnight operation, India launched a series of retaliatory strikes across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), targeting key terror infrastructure in response to the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 Indian tourists. A total of 80-90 terrosists were killed in targeted strikes at nine locations, as per reports. The mission, codenamed Operation Sindoor, marked one of India’s most extensive cross-border strikes in recent years and was executed jointly by the armed forces under the cover of darkness.

Here are 10 crucial points on what unfolded last night:

1. First Clue from Army Post: The Indian Army hinted at the operation in a five-word social media post: “Justice is served. Jai Hind!” A video showing military drills accompanied it with the message: “Ready to strike, trained to win.”

2. Government's Controlled Messaging: Shortly after, the Indian government issued a statement clarifying that no Pakistani military facilities were targeted. It stressed the action was "measured, focused and non-escalatory,” to avoid international backlash.

3. Global Strategic Messaging: The Indian Embassy in Washington released a detailed note citing “credible leads” that Pakistan-based terrorists were behind the Pahalgam killings. The move aimed to shape international opinion and secure diplomatic support.

4. Nine Terror Bases Hit: The strikes targeted nine locations: Bahawalpur (Jaish-e-Mohammed's base), Muridke (Lashkar-e-Taiba HQ), Gulpur, Bhimber, Chak Amru, Bagh, Kotli, Sialkot and Muzaffarabad, all known hubs for terror activities.

5. Rafales, Missiles and Precision Bombs: India used Rafale jets equipped with SCALP cruise missiles and Hammer precision bombs to penetrate deep into enemy territory and ensure targeted destruction.

6. PM Modi Monitored Operation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally oversaw the operation through the night. Following the Pahalgam attack, he had vowed to “track and punish” all those responsible, including their enablers.

7. Pakistani Retaliation at LoC: In response, Pakistan opened artillery fire along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Poonch-Rajouri sector, resulting in the deaths of three Indian civilians. This marked the 13th straight day of ceasefire violations.

8. Pakistan Calls It War: Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif called the strikes an “act of war” and claimed that eight civilians were killed and 33 injured. He promised a “befitting reply.”

9. Flight & School Disruptions: Civilian flight operations at airports in Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Amritsar, and Dharamshala were suspended. Schools and colleges in parts of Kashmir have been shut as a precaution.

Several #airports in the northern part of the country are closed for commercial operations after the Indian Armed Forces launched #OperationSindoor, hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied #JammuAndKashmir. #TravelUpdate

✈️Air India cancelled all its… pic.twitter.com/wteykQc4KW

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) May 7, 2025

10. India Briefs World Powers: Post-strikes, India reached out to major global players including the US, UK, Russia and Saudi Arabia. US President Donald Trump termed the escalation a “shame” and hinted he was aware of its possibility.

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