India Launches Operation Sindoor Following Pahalgam Terror Attack

The Armed Forces of India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, as a retaliatory response to an April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians. The four-day military campaign targeted nine terror camps and strategic military infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

During the escalation, the Indian Air Force reported downing six Pakistani aircraft, including five fighter jets and an airborne early warning and control system. Pakistani officials later acknowledged the strikes' impact. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that ballistic missiles hit the Nur Khan Airbase, while Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar reported that India launched at least 80 drones over 36 hours. Dar claimed 79 drones were intercepted, though one damaged the Nur Khan Airbase and injured personnel. Satellite imagery from Maxar Technologies corroborated significant damage at four facilities: Nur Khan Airbase, PAF Base Mushaf, Bholari Air Base, and PAF Base Shahbaz.

Amidst the conflict, President Asif Ali Zardari revealed he refused his Military Secretary's advice to seek shelter in a bunker, asserting that leaders die on the battlefield. The crisis ended on May 10 after Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations proposed a ceasefire. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed the agreement to halt all military operations across land, sea, and air.