Operation Sindoor marked India’s biggest cross-border attack since the 2019 Balakot airstrikes, targeting nine terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir (POK).
Will Avenge: Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif
India’s Operation Sindoor Sparks Sharp Retaliation Warning from Pakistan
India launched a major cross-border operation early Wednesday morning, dubbed Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terrorist facilities across Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The strikes were reportedly in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 civilians. Indian sources claim the operation resulted in the death of over 80 terrorists from banned outfits including Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
The airstrikes marked India’s largest cross-border military action since the 2019 Balakot operation. According to reports, dozens of Indian fighter jets were deployed during the mission.
Pakistan Responds: “We Will Avenge”
In a nationally televised address, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif accused India of violating Pakistan’s sovereignty and vowed a forceful response. “We resolve that we will avenge the blood of our innocent martyrs,” he stated, as reported by Al Jazeera.
Sharif further claimed that during the overnight exchange, referred to as a “dogfight” at the Line of Control, Pakistani forces shot down five Indian jets — a claim India has denied. “Our pilots remained in their airspace, the enemy’s planes were shattered to pieces,” Sharif declared, asserting that “Pakistan prevailed” in the military confrontation.
Casualty Claims and War of Narratives
While India maintains that only terrorist hubs were hit, Pakistan alleges civilian casualties, with military spokesperson Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry stating that 31 civilians were killed and dozens injured. He called for international condemnation of India’s actions.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told CNN that the Indian airstrikes risked escalating the conflict further.
Kashmir Dispute Reignited
Sharif also used his address to reaffirm Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir, labeling it a disputed territory under international law. “Regardless of how many unilateral decisions India takes, it cannot change the reality,” he said, referencing demands for a plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir.
Military Poised for Retaliation
Sharif confirmed in Parliament that Pakistan’s armed forces were fully prepared and had been authorised to undertake corresponding actions. He downplayed India’s Rafale jet advantage, stating: “These jets flew in combat form, but our air force was also prepared.”
