India launched Operation Sindoor, a major counterstrike, after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam. The operation, which began early Wednesday, resulted in casualties for the Pakistan Army, according to Indian defence sources. These sources also stated that India responded forcefully after Pakistan opened fire using heavy artillery, causing significant damage.

First Joint Mission Since 1971 War

For the first time since the 1971 war, the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force worked together in a joint mission. At around 1:44 am, they carried out precision missile attacks on terror-related sites located in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). This offensive came about two weeks after a brutal incident in Pahalgam, where 25 Indian tourists and one local pony ride operator were killed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi monitored the mission closely from start to finish, staying informed at every step.

Lashkar Headquarters Among Targets

Indian forces focused on striking terrorist bases rather than military posts. These included locations linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, a group that is banned internationally. The Resistance Front, a Lashkar proxy, had earlier taken responsibility for the Pahalgam killings.

In its official statement, India clarified its intent and approach: "Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in selection of targets and method of execution. We are living up to the commitment that those responsible for this attack will be held responsible."

Pakistan Fires Back, Civilians Killed

Soon after the Indian strikes, Pakistan retaliated by firing across the border. Their shelling hit several Indian villages along the Line of Control (LoC), leading to the deaths of three Indian civilians.

Pakistan Lists Areas Hit by Indian Missiles

Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhary, the spokesperson for Pakistan’s armed forces, confirmed the Indian strikes. He listed several locations that were hit, including: Kotli, Muridke, Bahawalpur, Chak Amru, Bhimber, Gulpur, Sialkot, and two spots in Muzaffarabad. While Sialkot, Bahawalpur, Chak Amru, and Muridke lie across the international border, the others are in PoK.

Importantly, Muridke is where the main headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba, led by Hafiz Saeed, is located. Also, Bahawalpur, which lies in Pakistan’s Punjab province, is a well-known base of Jaish-e-Mohammad, another terror group.

Reacting strongly to the strikes, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued a warning: "Pakistan has every right to respond forcefully to this act of war imposed by India, and a forceful response is being given."