BY PC Bureau
New Delhi, May 7, 2025 – India’s Operation Sindoor, a series of precision airstrikes targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), has resulted in the deaths of over 80 terrorists, according to Indian defense sources. The operation, launched in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, has disrupted major terror hubs, including the headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed in Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Muridke, while grounding flights and closing airports across northern India.
Over 80 Terrorists Neutralized in Precision Strikes
The Indian Armed Forces, in a coordinated effort involving the Army, Navy, and Air Force, struck nine terror camps in the early hours of May 7, 2025. Indian officials confirmed that the strikes neutralized between 80 and 90 terrorists, with India Today reporting the destruction of key facilities, including Hafiz Saeed’s Lashkar-e-Taiba camp in Muridke. Defense Expert Captain Anil Gaur (Retired) stated, “As per reports coming from Pakistan, around 80 terrorists have been killed,” emphasizing the success of the operation.
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The strikes targeted locations in Bahawalpur, Muridke, Kotli, Muzaffarabad, Gulpur, Bhimber, Chak Amru, Sialkot, and Ahmedpur East, identified by India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) as hubs for planning cross-border attacks. The Indian Ministry of Defence described the operation as “focused, measured, and non-escalatory,” with no Pakistani military facilities targeted to avoid broader conflict. However, unverified claims on social media have inflated the death toll, with some posts alleging up to 500 terrorists killed, though these lack credible backing.
Pakistan’s military, however, reported a lower casualty figure, claiming eight people were killed, including a 16-year-old girl, and 35 injured in strikes on six locations. Pakistani officials denied that terrorist camps were hit, labeling India’s claims “false” and describing the strikes as an “act of war.”
BEEAKING NEWS🚨 More than 80 Terrorists of Lashkar-e-Tayyeba Group were reportedly killed in India’s Missile Attack on Pakistan, in response to the recent #PahalgamTerroristAttack in which 28 innocent civilians were killed. #IndiaPakistanWar #IndiaPakistanTensions… pic.twitter.com/6gcqqCunnR
— Sarfarosh (@Sarfarosh_IND) May 7, 2025
Aviation Chaos as Tensions Soar
The fallout from Operation Sindoor has severely disrupted air travel. Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet canceled flights to and from northern cities like Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, and Bikaner due to airspace restrictions and airport closures. IndiGo reported delays and cancellations for flights to Central Asia, while Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport saw around 20 cancellations. Pakistan closed its airspace for 48 hours, halting all Pakistan International Airlines flights and diverting international carriers to Karachi.
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SpiceJet issued a statement: “Due to the ongoing situation, airports in parts of northern India, including Dharamshala, Leh, Jammu, Srinagar, and Amritsar, are closed until further notice.” The closure of Pakistani airspace has forced airlines to reroute flights over the Arabian Sea, adding up to 2.5 hours to travel times for routes to Europe and North America, increasing fuel costs and fares.
Escalation and International Response
The strikes have intensified India-Pakistan tensions, with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif calling an emergency National Security Committee meeting and vowing a “befitting reply.” Pakistan’s military reported heavy shelling along the Line of Control (LoC), with India claiming three civilians were killed in Poonch and Rajouri districts due to Pakistani mortar fire. Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif claimed two Indian jets and a drone were shot down, a claim India has not confirmed.
India has attacked 9 terrorist hideouts in Pakistan 🔥🔥#OperationSindoor it's done ✌#airstrike pic.twitter.com/8k7i4gOkq5
— Punit Vardhan (@PunitSi83123016) May 7, 2025
Globally, the US is monitoring the situation, with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval briefing US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Former US President Donald Trump called the conflict “a shame” and urged a quick resolution. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for “maximum military restraint” to prevent escalation between the nuclear-armed neighbors. International airlines, including Lufthansa, Emirates, and Qatar Airways, have suspended flights over Pakistani airspace, citing safety concerns.
ALSO READ: India Hits Nine Terror Camps in Pakistan, PoK; Tensions Soar
Strategic Impact and Domestic Sentiment
Indian officials hailed Operation Sindoor as a decisive blow to terror networks, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh posting “Bharat Mata ki Jai” on X. The operation, named Sindoor to symbolize the targeting of male terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack (sparing women, as sindoor denotes marital status in Hindu tradition), used advanced weaponry like Rafale jets, Scalp cruise missiles, and Hammer precision-guided munitions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi monitored the strikes from a war room, underscoring India’s resolve.
Domestic sentiment, reflected on X, has been largely supportive, with posts praising the Indian Army and hashtags like #OperationSindoor and #IndiaStrikesTerroristan trending. However, some posts, like one claiming 213 terrorists killed, lack verification and highlight the risk of misinformation.
The Indian Army is set to provide a detailed briefing on Operation Sindoor later today, potentially clarifying the exact toll and strategic outcomes. With air defenses on high alert along the India-Pakistan border and ongoing LoC skirmishes, the region remains volatile. The aviation sector braces for prolonged disruptions, with passengers advised to check flight statuses via airline portals.
As India and Pakistan navigate this crisis, the international community watches closely, urging de-escalation to prevent a broader conflict. The success of Operation Sindoor in neutralizing over 80 terrorists marks a significant counter-terrorism achievement for India, but the path ahead remains fraught with diplomatic and military challenges.
