Operation Sindoor: India Strikes Nine Terror Camps in Pakistan in Retaliation of Pahalgam Attack

In a decisive response to the brutal April 22, 2025, terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 civilian lives, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor, a meticulously planned tri-service operation targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Named after the vermillion symbolizing resilience, the operation struck at the heart of terrorist infrastructure linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), hailed as ‘delivering justice’ for the devastated families.

The operation, executed in the early hours of May 7, involved precision strikes using Rafale jets equipped with SCALP cruise missiles and HAMMER precision-guided munitions, alongside Navy-deployed loitering munitions. All strikes were launched from Indian territory, ensuring minimal risk to personnel while maximising impact. The Ministry of Defence emphasised the strikes were "focused, measured, and non-escalatory," targeting only terrorist infrastructure. Below is a detailed list of the nine camps destroyed:

1. Sawai Nala Camp, Muzaffarabad (PoK): Located 30 km from the Line of Control (LoC), this key LeT training facility, also known as Bait-ul-Mujahideen, was instrumental in training terrorists responsible for the Pahalgam attack. Situated near the Chelabandi bridge on the Muzaffarabad-Neelum Road, it was a hub for LeT’s cross-border operations.

2. Syedna Belal Camp, Muzaffarabad (PoK): A critical JeM staging area, this camp was used for weapons, explosives, and jungle survival training. Located opposite the Red Fort in Muzaffarabad, it served as a launchpad for attacks across the LoC, with 50–100 cadres trained at a time under Mufti Asghar Khan Kashmiri.

3. Gulpur Camp, Kotli (PoK): Positioned 30 km from the LoC, this LeT base camp trained terrorists operating in the Rajauri-Poonch sector. It was linked to attacks in Poonch in 2023 and a bus of pilgrims in 2024. Mumbai attacks mastermind Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi reportedly visited for indoctrination.

4. Abbas Camp, Kotli (PoK): Located 13 km from the LoC, this LeT nerve center trained up to 50 suicide bombers. Known as Markaz Abbas, it was a hub for preparing terrorists for high-impact attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.

5. Barnala Camp, Bhimber (PoK): Situated 9 km from the LoC, this LeT facility, known as Markaz Ahle Hadith, provided weapons, explosives, and jungle survival training. It was a key infiltration point for terrorists targeting the Poonch-Rajouri-Reasi sector.

6. Sarjal Camp, Sialkot (Pakistan): Located 6 km from the International Border, this LeT camp trained terrorists responsible for the March 2025 attack that killed four policemen in Jammu and Kashmir. Visuals of its destruction were shared during the Indian Army’s press briefing.

7. Mehmoona Joya Camp, Sialkot (Pakistan): Positioned 12–18 km from the International Boundary, this HM facility near Kotli Bhutta Government Hospital was a major training hub for terrorists targeting the Kathua-Jammu region. It directed the 2016 Pathankot airbase attack.

8. Markaz Taiba Camp, Muridke (Pakistan): Located 25 km from the border, this LeT headquarters trained operatives like Ajmal Kasab, the 26/11 Mumbai attacks terrorist, and David Headley. It was a central hub for LeT’s operations across India.

9. Markaz Subhan Camp, Bahawalpur (Pakistan): Situated 100 km from the border, this JeM headquarters was a hub for recruitment, training, and indoctrination. Terror commander Masood Azhar frequented the camp, which was located near Pakistan’s 31 Corps military cantonment, raising concerns about ISI complicity.

At a 10:30 AM press briefing, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh stated, “Operation Sindoor was launched to deliver justice to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and their families. Nine terrorist camps were targeted and successfully destroyed.” Colonel Sofiya Qureshi added, “The strikes were precise, targeting terror hubs linked to the barbaric attack, ensuring a non-escalatory response.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the armed forces, declaring, “Operation Sindoor is Bharat’s strong response to the brutal killing of innocent civilians in Pahalgam.” While Pakistan claimed civilian casualties, including strikes on mosques in Bahawalpur and Kotli, India reiterated that only terrorist infrastructure was targeted. The operation has sparked global attention, with India briefing nations like the US, UK, and Russia. As the nation rallies behind its forces, Operation Sindoor stands as a testament to India’s resolve against terrorism.