In a stunning escalation of regional tensions, India launched a coordinated series of military strikes early Wednesday, May 7, targeting nine sites within Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Codenamed Operation Sindoor, the mission was jointly executed by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force and focused on dismantling what New Delhi claims were key terrorist training facilities operated by groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad.

The strikes mark one of the most extensive cross-border military operations by India since the 2016 “surgical strikes” and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes. Indian officials stated that the operation was a necessary response to continued cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistani soil. However, Islamabad has strongly condemned the strikes, calling them an “unprovoked, cowardly and unlawful act of war” in a statement issued by its National Security Committee (NSC) after a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Targets of Operation Sindoor

New Delhi publicly identified the nine camps struck during the operation, detailing each site’s alleged role in training and deploying terrorists into India.

Located approximately 30 kilometers from the Line of Control (LOC), the Sawai Nala camp was reportedly a major training facility for the militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba. India accused this camp of producing terrorists who were responsible for deadly attacks on civilians and security forces in Gulmarg, Sonmarg, and the Pahalgam area over the past year. The camp’s strategic proximity to the LOC made it a critical launch point for cross-border infiltration........

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