Operation Sindoor
India-Pakistan Conflict Escalates – What Happened Last Night?
🕊️ Introduction
Tensions between India and Pakistan reached a boiling point on the night of May 7, 2025, as a major cross-border military exchange shook South Asia. In retaliation for a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India launched Operation Sindoor, triggering a swift and fierce response from Pakistan. Here’s a detailed account of what transpired overnight, its causes, impact, and global reactions.
⚔️ What Triggered the Conflict?
India was reeling from a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, that claimed the lives of 26 tourists. Holding Pakistan-based militant groups Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba responsible, India vowed retaliation—leading to the launch of Operation Sindoor.
🇮🇳 Operation Sindoor: India’s Counterstrike
- Nine strategic targets across Pakistan and PoK (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir) were hit using missiles and drones.
- Targets included alleged terror launchpads and arms depots.
- Over 100 militants reportedly neutralized, as per Indian defense sources.
- Civilians in border areas reported hearing loud explosions and witnessing aerial dogfights.
🗣️ “This was a necessary step to dismantle terror networks. We have the right to defend our citizens,” said a senior Indian official.
🇵🇰 Pakistan’s Response
- Pakistan termed the Indian operation as a “blatant violation of sovereignty.”
- Claimed multiple civilian casualties due to Indian drone strikes.
- Retaliated with drone and missile attacks on Indian military posts in Jammu, Punjab, and Rajasthan.
- Claimed to have downed several Indian drones and damaged key infrastructure.
🧨 Civilian Casualties & Disruption
- India: 15 civilians lost their lives due to retaliatory shelling in Jammu & Kashmir.
- Pakistan: 31 civilians reportedly killed due to India’s initial strikes.
- Airports shut down, blackouts reported in border towns, and emergency protocols activated in both nations.
🌍 Global Reactions
- United Nations, USA, Russia, and EU have urged restraint and de-escalation.
- Talks of emergency mediation by the UN Security Council are underway.
- Global markets responded with volatility, especially in oil and defense stocks.