Strikes 9 Terror Bases in Pakistan in Historic Tri-Services Operation
3 Civilians Killed After Heavy Shelling in Poonch Sector
Schools, Colleges to Remain Closed in Baramulla, Kupwara, Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, and Poonch Districts Today
Suhail Khan
India launched a precision strike operation in the early hours of Wednesday, targeting terrorist infrastructure deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoK) in a significant yet restrained response to the deadly Pahalgam massacre.
According to the Ministry of Defence, focused strikes were carried out on nine terrorist infrastructure sites, targeting the roots of cross-border terror planning.
“Importantly, no Pakistani military facilities were hit, reflecting India’s calibrated and non-escalatory approach. This operation underscores India’s resolve to hold perpetrators accountable while avoiding unnecessary provocation,” the Ministry stated.
The military action, dubbed Operation Sindoor, comes just days after the brutal Pahalgam terrorist attack, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent people.
Official sources indicate that the operation was planned to minimize collateral damage and ensure zero civilian casualties. The government reiterated its commitment to ensuring accountability for the Pahalgam attack, calling the strikes a “message of justice and resolve.”
Further details regarding Operation Sindoor and its operational specifics are expected during a comprehensive briefing later today. The situation is being closely monitored by both domestic and international observers amid concerns over potential retaliation or escalation in the region.
Shortly after India’s strikes on Pakistan, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval spoke with US NSA and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to the Indian Embassy.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for maximum military restraint from both India and Pakistan, as confirmed by his spokesperson.
Meanwhile, soon after the airstrikes, Pakistan violated the ceasefire in the Bhimber Gali area of Poonch-Rajouri by firing artillery shells. “The Indian Army is responding appropriately in a calibrated manner,” a Defence Ministry official said.
In the shelling at least three civilians were killed. Officials reported that during overnight shelling by Pakistan, three people lost their lives, and a forest office in Poonch was destroyed.
The deceased have been identified as Mohd Adil (son of Shaheen Noor), Saleem Hussain (son of Altaf Hussain), and Ruby Kour (wife of Shallu Singh).
In view of the prevailing security situation following the recent cross-border shelling, the Divisional Commissioner of Jammu has announced that all schools, colleges, and educational institutions in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, and Poonch districts will remain closed today.
Similarly, the Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir has ordered the closure of all educational institutions across Baramulla and Kupwara districts, as well as the Gurez Valley.
The authorities has also announced that no civil flights will operate today from Srinagar Airport as a precautionary measures.
Authorities have also urged the public to remain alert, stay calm, and follow official advisories as a precautionary measure. (With Agency Inputs)
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
