In a strong response to rising cross-border terrorism and the deadly Pahalgam Terror Attack that killed 26 civilians, India launched Operation Sindoor — a series of precise airstrikes on nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Key Targets Hit in the Operation:
- Gulpur Camp (Poonch-Rajauri Sector): Located near the Line of Control (LoC), this camp was believed to be the launch site for the Poonch ambush in April 2023 and the pilgrim bus attack in June 2024.
- Sawai Camp (Tangdhar Sector, PoK): Run by the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), this camp was linked to attacks in Sonmarg (October 2024), Gulmarg, and Pahalgam (April 2025).
- Bahawalpur (Punjab, Pakistan): A key target was the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) headquarters, located about 100 km from the India-Pakistan border. It was reportedly used to plan major terror attacks on India.
- Muridke Camp (Near Lahore, Pakistan): This LeT training center was hit due to its connection to the 2008 Mumbai attacks. It was used to train and prepare militants for attacks in Kashmir.
- Kotli Camp (Opposite Rajauri): This LeT camp reportedly housed up to 50 terrorists at a time and was used to train suicide bombers.
- Barnala Camp (Near LoC): This facility helped militants regroup and plan their entry into Indian areas like Jammu and Rajauri.
- Sarjal Camp (Near Samba-Kathua Border): A JeM camp known for its role in quick cross-border attacksclose to the international border.
- Mehmoona Camp (Near Sialkot): A Hizbul Mujahideen base, located just 15 km from the border, which was a key training ground for militants targeting the Kashmir Valley.
- Bilal Camp: Another JeM launchpad, used as the last stop for terrorists before they crossed into India.
Why It Matters:
Indian intelligence reports said these camps were behind several recent deadly attacks, and were part of a larger pattern of infiltration and violence. By hitting these targets, India aimed to disrupt terror networks, prevent future attacks, and send a strong message against cross-border terrorism.