During the sharp escalation along the Line of Control (LoC), the Indian Army carried out precision fire assaults on multiple terrorist launchpads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on the intervening night of May 8–9. The operation came in direct response to a series of drone attacks by Pakistan targeting Indian cities in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab.
In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the Indian Army said that the strikes were part of Operation Sindoor, an ongoing military campaign launched earlier this week that has already neutralised several terror infrastructure sites across the border.
The Army said the latest retaliatory strikes inflicted significant damage on launchpads that have been used for cross-border infiltration and terror attacks.
Why did the Indian Army launch the fire assault?
The Indian Army stated that the fire assault was a direct response to “Pakistan’s misadventures”, a reference to attempted drone strikes on multiple Indian cities on the night of May 8–9.
The statement described the retaliatory action as a “swift and decisive” strike that “pulverised and razed [the launchpads] to cinders,” delivering a major blow to Pakistan-backed terrorist infrastructure near the LoC.
What is Operation Sindoor?
Operation Sindoor is a coordinated military campaign launched by the Indian Armed Forces in the early hours of May 7. It involves targeted strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
According to official statements, at least nine terror camps were neutralised in the first wave of the operation. The latest strikes on terrorist launchpads form part of this broader campaign.
Where were the strikes carried out?
The Army said the fire assaults targeted terrorist launchpads situated
“close to the Line of Control.” These locations have long been under Indian surveillance for their role in supporting and orchestrating cross-border terrorist activity against Indian civilians and armed forces.
What prompted this escalation from Pakistan?
In the early hours of Saturday (May 9), the Indian Army reported spotting several armed drones originating from Pakistan flying over Khasa Cantonment in Amritsar, Punjab. Air Defence units responded immediately, destroying the hostile drones before they could cause damage.
According to the Army, the attempted drone strikes endangered civilian lives and represented an unacceptable violation of Indian sovereignty.
How has India responded to these drone incursions?
India’s response has included both defensive and offensive measures. On the defensive front, the Indian Army and Air Defence units have successfully intercepted all incoming drones. On the offensive front, retaliatory strikes have been carried out as part of Operation Sindoor, targeting the origin points of such drone operations— namely, terrorist launchpads and training camps near the LoC.
What was the government’s reaction to the latest developments?
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan met with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday to provide a detailed briefing on the security situation. The meeting took place at the Defence Minister’s residence and focused on operational preparedness, escalation scenarios, and India’s next steps.
Has Pakistan responded to the Indian Army’s statements?
As of Saturday (May 10), there was no official response from Pakistan’s military regarding the Indian Army’s claims of targeting terrorist launchpads. Pakistan has previously denied involvement in cross-border terrorism, though India maintains that terror infrastructure continues to operate with the knowledge and support of Pakistani authorities.