India launches Operation Sindoor, strikes terrorist camps in Pakistan

India has launched “Operation Sindoor,” targeting what it called terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-controlled part of Kashmir region, in retaliation for a deadly terrorist attack in Baisaran Valley, RT reports. 

New Delhi said it hit at least nine targets early Wednesday morning, stating that the strikes were directed at terrorist camps and not the Pakistani armed forces or civilians.

“Our actions have been focused, measured, and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in the selection of targets and method of execution,” the Indian government said in a statement, according to RT. 

Indian Armed Forces Colonel Sophia Qureshi said at a press briefing that the strikes targeted terrorist recruitment centers, terror launch pads, indoctrination and training camps. The Colonel said niche tech weapons were used to avoid collateral damage.

Pakistan said the Indian strikes killed 26 civilians and wounded 46 others, according to Reuters. 

Islamabad condemned the strikes as a “heinous provocation” and vowed retaliation.

Pakistan said it shot down five Indian warplanes: three Rafale, one SU-30 and one Mig-29 jets, according to Reuters. 

Indian authorities said the Pakistani shelling of Jammu and Kashmir resulted in 10 deaths and 48 injuries.  

The Indian interior minister reiterated in a post on X that the government is determined to give an adequate response to any attack on India and its people. 

Operation Sindoor follows the April 22 terror attack in Baisaran Valley, which left 26 civilians dead. India has accused Pakistan of perpetrating the attack, but Islamabad has denied involvement.