New Delhi: In a high-level joint press briefing held on 11 May, senior officials of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force confirmed the successful execution of Operation Sindoor, a calibrated military response launched following the 22 April Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians.
The Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, confirmed that the operation, conducted from 7 to 10 May, resulted in the elimination of over 100 terrorists. Among the high-value targets neutralised were Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf, and Mudassir Ahmed, individuals linked to the IC-814 hijacking and the Pulwama attack.
The operation, which targeted nine identified terror camps located in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan’s Punjab province, including the infamous Muridke hub of Lashkar-e-Taiba, was described by General Ghai as “a compelling statement of resolve” by India against cross-border terrorism. “Our aim was clear, to punish the perpetrators and planners of terror and dismantle their infrastructure,” he said.
He further revealed that some terror sites had been vacated in anticipation of Indian retaliation. “This was a meticulously planned operation,” he added, “guided by intelligence inputs and aided by aerial surveillance to ensure precision targeting while avoiding collateral damage.”
The DGMO confirmed that 35–40 Pakistani army personnel were killed in the operation along the Line of Control, with further casualties being assessed. On India’s side, five soldiers were martyred, and their sacrifice was honoured during the briefing. When asked about reports of an Indian Rafale being shot down, General Ghai chose not to comment.
He also noted that Pakistan resumed artillery engagements and airspace violations during the operation, firing at civilian targets, villages, and even religious sites, including gurudwaras, in what he termed an “erratic and rattled” response. “Their indiscriminate targeting has led to unfortunate civilian casualties,” he added.
Air Marshal AK Bharti provided further insights into the Air Force’s role, confirming that drone and UAV incursions were reported from Srinagar to Naliya on 8 and 9 May. “Our air defence systems responded with precision,” he said. Indian strikes were then carried out across key Pakistani airbases, radar installations, and command centres.
Air Force targets included:
Pasrur, Chunian, and Airfwala air defence radars
Sargodha, Chaklala (Nur Khan), Sukkur, and Bholari airfields
Bharti stated that despite provocations, Indian forces maintained strategic restraint, choosing not to harm civilian areas or commercial aircraft movements. “We exercised extreme caution at the cost of strategic disadvantage,” he said, revealing that Pakistani authorities allowed civilian flights to depart from Lahore during drone operations nearby.
He confirmed that all Indian pilots involved in the mission had returned safely, though he withheld information on any other potential losses citing operational sensitivity.
Vice Admiral AN Pramod highlighted the Navy’s contribution, stating that the Indian Navy remained deployed in a credible deterrent posture and maintained seamless maritime domain awareness throughout the operation. “We were fully aware of the location and movements of Pakistani naval units,” he added.
Operation Sindoor’s announcement came just a day after a ceasefire was initiated. General Ghai confirmed that he was first contacted by his Pakistani counterpart on 10 May. Despite the ceasefire, India remains on high alert, with the DGMO stating, “Any act of aggression will be met with a fierce and punitive response.”
General Ghai is scheduled to hold formal talks with the Pakistani DGMO at 12 noon on Monday, 12 May, in what could be a step towards de-escalation following a week of high-intensity conflict.
The joint briefing underscored India’s policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism, its strategic precision in military responses, and its willingness to act decisively while avoiding unnecessary civilian harm. It also reiterated India’s readiness to respond robustly should the situation escalate again.
BI Bureau
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