India Conducts Precision Strikes on Terrorist Infrastructure in Pakistan, Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir

Strategic Insights -

The Indian Air Force launched a precision strike codenamed Operation Sindoor on 9 sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 8, in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack two weeks ago. The operation targeted bases of UN-proscribed terror groups, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), located across the international border and the Line of Control (LoC). India's foreign secretary, Vikram Misri, stated that the strikes were a response to the killing of 26 people in the Pahalgam terror attack and aimed at pre-empting and deterring more cross-border assaults.

Key Takeaways:

  • The operation, codenamed Operation Sindoor, was a precision strike that targeted 9 sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, with a mix of missiles and smart munitions fired by aircraft and ground forces.
  • The targets were chosen to avoid damage to civilian infrastructure and loss of civilian lives, with five terror camps targeted with precision weapons across the LoC being between 9-30 km inside PoK.
  • India's foreign secretary, Vikram Misri, said that India's investigations had led to the gathering of extensive information on the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack, including an "accurate picture of the planners and backers of this team".
  • The operation marked the first time India had targeted Pakistan's most populous province, Punjab, since the 1971 war, and was in response to the "demonstrable step" from Pakistan to act against terrorist infrastructure.
  • India released videos of the strikes but did not confirm casualties, while Pakistan's chief military spokesman, Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, said 31 people were killed and 57 injured at six locations.

Statistics:

  • Eight Indian jets took part in the operation, with flights lasting between 27-30 minutes.
  • Five terror camps were targeted across the LoC, with the closest target being 9 km inside PoK and the farthest being 30 km.
  • The operation lasted 26 minutes, with no Pakistani military facilities being targeted.
  • India's foreign secretary, Vikram Misri, stated that the strikes were aimed at pre-empting and deterring more cross-border assaults.

Sources:

  • Hindustan Times
  • Indian Ministry of Defence