On 7 May 2025, India carried out “Operation Sindoor,” striking nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir to hit militant bases after the 22 April Pahalgam attack Al Jazeera. Pakistan said it shot down Indian jets and captured pilots, but independent checks found no proof ReutersThe Times of India. Both sides then fired artillery, missiles, and drones along the Line of Control, causing civilian deaths and forcing school closures and evacuations ReutersVox. Many claims—like civilian areas being hit or large plane shoot-downs—were debunked by fact-checkers The Times of India. The UN, US, China, and other countries have urged calm to avoid a wider war El PaísVox.
1. Background
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Pahalgam attack (22 April 2025): Militants killed 26 Hindu pilgrims in Pahalgam, Kashmir. India blamed Pakistan-backed groups Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba Al Jazeera.
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Why “Sindoor”? Named after the red mark worn by married Hindu women, symbolizing India’s vow to avenge lives lost Al Jazeera.
2. India’s Strikes on 7 May
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Targets: Nine locations including camps in Bahawalpur and Muridke claimed to belong to militant groups Reuters.
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Weapons Used: Indian jets fired precision missiles and loitering munitions to limit damage to militant sites Al Jazeera.
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Reported Casualties: Pakistan said 26–31 civilians were killed and dozens wounded; India insists no civilians or military sites were hit ReutersAl Jazeera.
3. Pakistan’s Response
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Shoot-down Claims: Pakistan claimed it downed five Indian jets (including Rafales) and took pilots prisoner. No independent body has verified wreckage or captures ReutersThe Times of India.
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Cross-Border Fire: Both armies exchanged artillery, missile, and drone fire along the LoC, killing civilians on both sides and damaging homes and schools VoxReuters.
4. Civilian Impact and Precautions
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Casualties & Damage: Around 40–50 civilian deaths reported; a Gurudwara and several schools were hit by stray fire Reuters.
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Disruptions: Schools closed in Kashmir and Punjab; flights delayed; people evacuated to bunkers in border villages El País.
5. Fake News and Fact-Checks
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Plane Shoot-Downs: India’s Press Information Bureau (PIB) called Pakistan’s jet-down claims “propaganda,” noting no proof of wreckage The Times of India.
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Civilian Targets: Satellite images show damage limited to militant compounds, contradicting claims of mosque and civilian building hits Al Jazeera.
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False Advisories: A fake civil-defence advisory circulated online; government agencies warned citizens to verify sources www.ndtv.com.
6. International Calls for Restraint
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United Nations: UN Secretary-General urged India and Pakistan to hold fire and return to talks El País.
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United States: Washington warned both sides to avoid actions that could draw in other powers Vox.
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China & Others: Beijing, Moscow, Turkey, and regional bodies all called for calm and dialogue to prevent further bloodshed El País.
