Op Sindoor: The strike, the escalation and the aftermath

This is the first time after 1971, that Indians have struck so deep into Pakistani territory, something that was not done even in the Kargil War. This message would have been driven home.

- AJAY SINGH

THE STRIKE When the horrific massacre of civilians took place in the meadows of Pahalgam by terrorists trained and sponsored by Pakistan, retribution had to be coming. And retribution came exactly 15 days later, when Indian struck nine terrorist camps deep within Pakistan in an action appropriately code-named OPERATION SINDOOR. The symbolism of the name, chosen by Prime Minister Modi himself, was lost on no one and found resonance with all Indians.

On the night of 7 May, a IAF strike package of Rafales, Mirage 2000s, and Sukhoi 30 MKI fighters launched a precision strike on terrorist camps within Pakistan, firing SCALP Storm Shadow long range cruise missiles and Hammer air-to-ground precision bombs. The projectiles were launched from within Indian territory, obviating any risk to the aircraft or the pilots. The entire operation was controlled by an Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft, while loitering drones hovered overhead relaying vital information, sending back videos of the strike and the damage, before they too finally crashed into their designated targets with their explosive payloads.