India-Pakistan Conflict Intensifies Post-Operation Sindoor: Loitering Munitions, Air Defence Actions, and Civilian Blackouts
Background: Pahalgam Terror Attack and India's Retaliatory Strikes
Following the barbaric Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 that killed 26 civilians, India launched Operation Sindoor—a coordinated multi-force strike targeting nine terror infrastructure sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK). These included high-value targets linked to groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in Bahawalpur, Muridke, Sialkot, Barnala, and Kotli.
India's action was described as "measured, precise, and non-escalatory", targeting only terrorist camps without hitting military or civilian infrastructure.
Pakistan Retaliates with Loitering Munitions; India Responds
On May 9, Pakistan escalated tensions by targeting Jammu with loitering munitions, triggering a strong response from India’s Air Defence systems. A complete blackout was enforced in multiple districts of Jammu Division, including Kishtwar and Akhnoor, amid rising air threat sirens.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri reaffirmed that India's actions were responses to Pakistan's original escalation, emphasizing that the strikes were confined to terror infrastructure only.
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Attempted Drone & Missile Attacks by Pakistan
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According to the Ministry of Defence, Pakistan attempted to target military installations in over a dozen Indian cities, including:
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Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar
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Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda
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Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj
These were thwarted by India’s Integrated Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Grid and Air Defence Systems, which included the deployment of S-400 Sudarshan Chakra missile systems. Debris from Pakistani drones and missiles was recovered from multiple locations.
India Neutralizes Pakistani Air Defence Radar in Lahore
In a decisive move on Thursday morning, India struck Pakistan’s Air Defence radar installation in Lahore, employing HARPY drones—designed for SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defences) missions. These autonomous drones identified radar frequencies and destroyed the installation with high-explosive payloads.
Civilian Impact and Artillery Exchange
Despite India’s measured retaliation, Pakistan escalated the conflict across the Line of Control, using mortars and heavy artillery in Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar, and Rajouri sectors of Jammu and Kashmir.
According to Indian authorities, 16 civilians, including three women and five children, have been killed due to unprovoked Pakistani firing. India was compelled to retaliate to suppress the artillery fire and prevent further loss of life.
Key Terror Camps Targeted in Operation Sindoor
India’s intelligence-backed precision strikes took out the following targets:
In Pakistan:
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Bahawalpur (JeM leadership base)
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Muridke (LeT training camp linked to 26/11)
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Sarjal & Mehmoona Joya (radical training hubs)
In PoJK:
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Markaz Ahle Hadith, Barnala
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Markaz Abbas & Maskar Raheel Shahid, Kotli
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Shawai Nallah Camp
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Markaz Syedna Bilal, Muzaffarabad
India Maintains Its Commitment to Non-Escalation
Despite active hostilities, India has repeatedly reiterated its commitment to non-escalation—provided that Pakistan respects ceasefire norms. However, it has clearly stated that any attacks on Indian soil or military establishments will be met with "measured and proportionate response."
Conclusion:
India’s strong military and diplomatic response post-Pahalgam has marked a significant shift in counterterror policy. With airspace threats neutralized and terror hubs decimated, the message is clear—India will not tolerate state-sponsored terrorism and reserves the right to respond with precision and purpose.
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