All Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots involved in the high-stakes operation known as Sindoor have been confirmed safe, according to official sources disclosed early Wednesday morning. This operation conducted a precise strike on nine strategic terror hubs located across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The strikes were a direct response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, where 26 civilians, primarily tourists, tragically lost their lives.
The safe return of all participating pilots has brought an immense sense of relief to officials amid escalating military and diplomatic tensions in the region. Sources confirmed, “All pilots who participated in the operation are accounted for and safe,” which counters Pakistan’s claims regarding downed Indian jets.
In light of these recent events, Indian airspace is currently under stringent surveillance. Both the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and defense establishments are maintaining a heightened alert to preempt any potential retaliation from Pakistan. As a precautionary measure, civilian operations at several airports across northern India—including Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Amritsar, and Dharamshala—have been suspended. Major airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet have either canceled or rerouted their flights.
Conversely, Pakistan’s airspace has shown minimal activity, with commercial flight tracking services indicating significant decreases in air traffic following the strikes. Major airports in Lahore and Sialkot have been closed for a span of 48 hours as security precautions.
Operation Sindoor represented a comprehensive joint tri-services mission involving the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, successfully hitting high-value terror infrastructures without breaching the Line of Control or international borders. Utilizing Rafale fighter jets armed with SCALP and HAMMER precision missiles, the operation targeted multiple regions including Bahawalpur, Muridke, Muzaffarabad, and Kotli, reportedly neutralizing an estimated 80–90 terrorists.
Key targets within this operation included:
– Jaish-e-Mohammed’s headquarters in Bahawalpur
– Lashkar-e-Taiba’s operational base in Muridke
– Various terror training facilities in Kotli, Chak Amru, and Gulpur
Intelligence sources have indicated that the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) meticulously identified these locations ahead of time, facilitating precise strikes with no civilian casualties reported. Government officials reiterated that the operation was carefully calibrated, targeting no Pakistani military or civilian infrastructure, thereby maintaining a “measured and non-escalatory” approach.
The national political landscape showcased a rare moment of unity, with leaders from across the spectrum praising the bravery and efficacy of the armed forces. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is said to have coined the operation’s codename “Sindoor,” has remained in continuous contact with military leadership. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, along with other prominent figures such as AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi and Sufi Council Chairman Syed Naseruddin Chishty, commended the operation as a vital and legitimate response to ongoing cross-border terrorism.
On the flip side, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the operation, labeling it an “act of war.” The country’s National Security Committee has convened an emergency meeting in response, and Pakistan’s Defense Ministry hastily claimed that Indian aircraft were shot down— a statement that Indian officials emphatically denied.
The international community is closely monitoring the evolving situation. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently engaged in direct talks with India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, with the U.S. emphasizing the necessity for restraint and de-escalation in the region.
As the geopolitical climate intensifies, the Indian Armed Forces are maintaining full operational readiness. A joint press briefing by the tri-services has been scheduled for 10 AM, where further details about the operation and India’s future military posture are anticipated.
