In a significant development, the Border Security Force (BSF) has confirmed a planned offensive against a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) launchpad located in Pakistan’s Looni area as part of Operation Sindoor. This operation, executed on the night of May 9-10, underscores a marked escalation in India’s counter-terrorism strategy along the Line of Control (LoC).
During a press briefing, Inspector General of the BSF Jammu Frontier, Shashank Anand, stated that the assault targeted around 18 to 20 militants who were poised to infiltrate into Indian territory. “We had prepared based on precise intelligence inputs regarding the presence of these terrorists, and our forces engaged effectively, inflicting considerable damage,” Anand reported.
The attack not only aimed to disrupt imminent infiltration attempts but also responded to ongoing provocations from across the border, including aerial assaults through drones and unprovoked shelling, particularly following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed the lives of 27 individuals. Operation Sindoor was initiated on May 7, with a strategic focus on dismantling more than 100 terrorists connected to prominent terror groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
Supporting Anand’s statements, Virender Dutta, the BSF’s Deputy Inspector General of the Sundarbani sector, emphasized the importance of the Looni area as a base for terrorists planning to cross into India. He elaborated on the two-phase execution of the operation, confirming that the targeted locations were effectively destroyed. “We executed pre-emptive strikes based on intelligence that indicated terrorist movements attempting to breach our defenses,” Dutta mentioned.
As the operation unfolded, Indian forces faced initial fire from Pakistani posts but managed to retaliate with precision, resulting in significant damage to enemy positions and boosting the morale of Indian troops. “Our preparedness allowed us to absorb their attacks and respond effectively. We achieved our objectives without sustaining any losses,” Anand added.
The LeT launchpad, situated merely three kilometers from the international border, has been identified as a critical staging ground for infiltration attempts. The destruction of this facility is perceived as a substantial setback for cross-border terrorism initiatives.
Furthermore, the counteroffensives during Operation Sindoor were not limited to ground operations. The Indian military extended strikes to include key Pakistani military infrastructure such as airfields, radar installations, and communication hubs across 11 airbases, showcasing a comprehensive and coordinated military strategy.
With hostilities remaining elevated along the LoC and the international border, the BSF’s confirmation of this targeted strike points to India’s evolving tactical posture—characterized by a blend of precise intelligence, ground force engagement, and a proactive defense mechanism in the ongoing struggle against cross-border terrorism.