In the wee hours of May 7, the Indian armed forces launched an attack, “Operation Sindoor” against its neighbour, Pakistan, in the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attack where 26 citizens were killed. The attack came ahead of the mock drills which were scheduled on the evening of May 7, in several parts of the Indian cities including, Shillong, Tura and Jowai.
The pre-dawn attack on Pakistan and the subsequent, mock drills and air raid precautions has made the people to believe that India is preparing for a full scale war against its neighbour. However, a government release stated that “Operation Sindoor” was launched aimed at lutting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir from where attacks against India have been planned and directed.
The government stated that its actions were focussed, measured and non-escalatory in nature. As per the government statement no Pakistani military facilities have been targeted even as it added that India has demonstrated considerable restraint in selection of targets and methods of execution.
As for now it seems that the government does not intend to go for a full scale war with Pakistan.
However, expert believes that given, Pakistani military’s media rhetoric and stated resolve to settle the scores, retaliatory action could escalate into a limited conventional war.
Reports emerging from Pakistan stated that the sites struck by India included two mosques and there were atleast three casualties and 12 people were injured.
The United Nations (UN) while responding to India’s attacks on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan stated that it was concerned over the military operations across the Line of Control and international border even as it called for maximum restraint from both the countries.
The United States has called on both India and Pakistan to work towards a responsible resolution that maintains long-term peace and regional stability in South Asia.
Israel on the other hand supported India’s right for self-defence.
The country’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar said that terrorist should know there’s no place to hide from their heinous crimes against the innocent.
In recent memories India had responded adequately in 2016 (Uri attack) when it launched “surgical strikes” across the Line of Control. Again in 2019, after the Pulwama bombing which left 40 Indian paramilitary personnel dead, the country responded aptly when it prompted airstrikes deep into Balakot
According to experts, the retaliation for the Pahalgam attack stands out for its broader scope, targeting the infrastructures of Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-Mohammed and Hizbul Mujahideen.
Reports stated that the closes targets were two camps in Sialkot, just 6-18 km from the border and the deepest hit was a Jaish-e-Mohammed camp in Bahawalpur, 100 km inside Pakistan.
The situation between India and Pakistan remains tense with the international community calling for restraint and de -escalation.
The outcome depends on how both countries navigate the complex web of diplomatic and military actions.
