Thu May 08 02:50:00 UTC 2025: ## India Launches Cross-Border Strikes in Retaliation for Terror Attack
**New Delhi, May 7** – India launched a major military operation, codenamed “Operation Sindoor,” early Wednesday morning, targeting nine terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The strikes are in direct response to the April 22nd Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 civilians.
The Indian Armed Forces, utilizing a coordinated effort involving the Army, Navy, and Air Force, carried out the 25-minute operation between 1:05 am and 1:30 am. Military officials confirmed the successful targeting of the sites, which intelligence indicated were providing support to various anti-India terrorist organizations, including Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen. Officials stressed that no Pakistani military infrastructure was targeted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi monitored the operation throughout the night. A subsequent press briefing featuring Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed the Pakistani links to the Pahalgam attack and detailed the intelligence leading to the target selection.
Pakistan responded with cross-border shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, prompting effective retaliatory fire from the Indian armed forces. The shelling continued into a second day. As a precaution, several districts, including Amritsar, implemented temporary blackouts.
The operation has drawn international attention. US Congressman Rich McCormick voiced support for India’s right to self-defense, while other nations, including Belarus, Ukraine, and France, called for de-escalation and a ceasefire. Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also justified India’s actions. Conversely, the Turkish and Azerbaijani foreign ministries issued statements supporting Pakistan. US President Donald Trump urged both countries to stop the escalating conflict.
The Indian government has held an all-party meeting to brief political leaders on the operation. Several airports in India have been temporarily closed, and Air India and Air India Express are offering rescheduling and refund options for armed forces personnel. Pakistan closed its airspace at Lahore and Islamabad airports. At least 15 people were killed and many more injured due to Pakistani shelling in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, where evacuations are underway. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khwaja Asif threatened retaliation, targeting military installations but not civilians. India has also closed 25 airports, and American Airlines cancelled its Delhi flights.
The situation remains tense, with both sides maintaining a heightened state of alert. The Indian government has assured the international community that it will respond to any further aggression from Pakistan.
First Piper 