Pakistan has a well-defined identity as a 'haven for terrorists', said Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary of India, on Wednesday after India launched a series of targeted military strikes under Operation Sindoor, marking a significant response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians, including many tourists.
Terror camp where Ajmal Kasab, Daniel Headley were trained have been taken down during the operation, said Col. Sophia Qureshi during the press conference.
Misri said, "Banned international terrorists find it safe from being punished in this country. Pakistan is also known for deliberately misleading the world and international platforms."
It was found essential that the terrorists and their backers need to be punished, said the Foreign Secretary. However, "Pakistan did not take any action. We also had Intel that further attacks on India were being planned."
India exercised its right to respond. The measures were measured and non-escalatory, said Misri.
India was careful in safeguarding civilian infrastructure and avoiding civilian casualties in Pakistan, said Col Qureshi.
The strikes have led to heightened tensions with Pakistan and caused major disruptions, especially in northern India, where air travel and military activity have been affected.
ALSO READ: Operation Sindoor: Flights to and from Delhi, Srinagar, Leh, Dharamshala, Amritsar, Jammu affected
List of targeted places in Pakistan, shared by Indian govt
Indian officials confirmed that the following terror-linked sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK) were targeted.
These locations were reportedly connected to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) — two groups frequently accused of sponsoring terror attacks in India.
(a) Sawai Nala Camp, Muzaffarabad - Located in POJK, 30 Km from on Line of Control in Tangdhar Sector, was a key LeT training facility. The attack on civilians and Security Forces in Sonmarg on 20 October 24, Gulmarg on 24 October 24 and Pahalgam attack on 22 April 25, were carried out by the terror module which had its germination at Sawai Nala.
(b) Syedna Belal Camp, Muzaffarabad - A camp of Jaish- e-Mohammad terrorist organisation, this was being used as staging area. This camp was used to train terrorists in weapons, explosives & jungle cum survival techniques for carrying out terrorist activities across Line of Control in Kashmir region.
(c) Gulpur Camp, Kotli - Located 30 kilometers from the Line of Control, it was the base for LeT terrorists operating in Rajauri-Poonch. Attacks in Poonch on 20 April 2023, and Attack on innocent pilgrims travelling in a bus on 09 June 24 were conducted by terrorists trained in Gulpur. Inputs confirm that Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, the 26/11 master mind, frequently visited this camp for indoctrination and motivational speeches.
(d) Abbas Camp, Kotli - Located about 13 kilometers from Line of Control opposite Rajauri, it was known as the nerve centre for training of suicide bombers of LeT. This camp had key terrorist training infrastructure for about 50 terrorists.
(e) Barnala Camp, Bhimber - Located 9 km from Line of Control opposite Rajauri - Poonch Sector was used for providing training to terrorists in weapon handling, IED making and jungle survival techniques.
(f) Sarjal Camp, Sialkot - Located about six kilometers from the International Borders opposite Samba-Kathua. The terrorists who killed four personnel of Jammu and Kashmir Police in March 2025 were trained and launched from this camp.
(g) Mehmoona Joya Camp, Sialkot - located around 12 Km from International Boundary, near Sialkot, this was a key training facility of Hijbul Mujahideen. The camp was being used as the control center in revival of terrorism in Kathua and Jammu region. Major terrorist attacks including attack on Pathankot Air Force Base was planned and directed from this camp.
(h) Markaz Taiba, Muridke - Located around 25 kilometers from International Boundary, it was the Head Quarter of Lashka-e- Taiba led by Hafiz Syed Terrorists trained here have also associated with many terrorist attacks including Mumbai attacks in 2008. Azmal Kasab, the Pakistani Terrorist captured alive after Mumbai Attack had confessed of having received training at Muridke. As per inputs, it was revealed that David Coleman Headley had also received training at this camp.
(j) Markaz Subhan, Bahawalpur - Located around 100 Km from International Boundary, was the Headquarters of JeM. This camp was used for recruitment, training and indoctrinating JeM terrorists. The facility was frequently visited by the terrorist commanders including Masood Azhar who issued directions to their cadre from this camp.
What triggered Operation Sindoor?
The operation was launched in direct response to the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which left several civilians, including honeymooners, dead.
Among the victims was Navy Lt Vinay Narwal, whose wife’s image after the attack went viral, evoking widespread grief and outrage across the country.
ALSO READ: Operation Sindoor: India launches targeted strikes at nine targets in Pakistan & PoK to avenge Pahalgam
The name "Operation Sindoor" is believed to symbolise national mourning and resolve, particularly in memory of the young couples who were targeted.
Officials reaffirmed India’s resolve, stating, “We are living up to the commitment that those responsible for this attack will be held accountable.”
ALSO READ: Operation Sindoor: What, where, and how India avenged the deaths of 26 in deadly Pahalgam attack, explained
What are the immediate consequences?
The operation has led to widespread disruptions in air travel across northern India.
The Airports Authority of India confirmed that Srinagar airfield is shut, with no commercial flights operating from there on Wednesday.
IndiGo Airlines issued a travel advisory for affected cities including Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, and Bikaner, urging passengers to check flight status before travelling.
SpiceJet stated that operations at Dharamshala (DHM), Leh (IXL), Jammu (IXJ), Srinagar (SXR), and Amritsar (ATQ) have been suspended until further notice. Air India flights from Pune and Amritsar were also temporarily halted, according to ET sources.
International carriers have also been impacted. Qatar Airways announced the temporary suspension of flights to Pakistan due to the closure of Pakistani airspace. The airline is monitoring the situation closely and stated that it continues to prioritise the safety of passengers and crew. Travellers are advised to check updates on qatarairways.com or contact the airline’s support centre at +974 4144 5555.
Terror camp where Ajmal Kasab, Daniel Headley were trained have been taken down during the operation, said Col. Sophia Qureshi during the press conference.
Misri said, "Banned international terrorists find it safe from being punished in this country. Pakistan is also known for deliberately misleading the world and international platforms."
"On April 22, a Pakistani and Pakistan-trained terrorist, associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba, launched a barbaric attack on tourists in Pahalgam. 25 Indians, and one Nepali citizen were cowardly murdered. This is the most serious incident since the 2008 Mumbai attack considering that fact the civilians were attacked."#WATCH | Delhi | #OperationSindoor| Col. Sofiya Qureshi, while addressing the media, presents videos showing destroyed terror camps, including from the Muridke where those involved in the 2008 Mumbai Terror attacks - Ajmal Kasab and David Headley received their training..." pic.twitter.com/tNpsDf92Wu
— ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2025
It was found essential that the terrorists and their backers need to be punished, said the Foreign Secretary. However, "Pakistan did not take any action. We also had Intel that further attacks on India were being planned."
India exercised its right to respond. The measures were measured and non-escalatory, said Misri.
The operation focused on destroying terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, signalling a tough stance against cross-border terrorism.#WATCH | #OperationSindoor | Terror site Markaz Subhan Allah, Bahawalpur, Pakistan, the headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed, targeted by Indian Armed Forces." pic.twitter.com/iM4s91ktb8
— ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2025
India was careful in safeguarding civilian infrastructure and avoiding civilian casualties in Pakistan, said Col Qureshi.
The strikes have led to heightened tensions with Pakistan and caused major disruptions, especially in northern India, where air travel and military activity have been affected.
ALSO READ: Operation Sindoor: Flights to and from Delhi, Srinagar, Leh, Dharamshala, Amritsar, Jammu affected
List of targeted places in Pakistan, shared by Indian govt
Indian officials confirmed that the following terror-linked sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK) were targeted.
These locations were reportedly connected to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) — two groups frequently accused of sponsoring terror attacks in India.
(a) Sawai Nala Camp, Muzaffarabad - Located in POJK, 30 Km from on Line of Control in Tangdhar Sector, was a key LeT training facility. The attack on civilians and Security Forces in Sonmarg on 20 October 24, Gulmarg on 24 October 24 and Pahalgam attack on 22 April 25, were carried out by the terror module which had its germination at Sawai Nala.
(b) Syedna Belal Camp, Muzaffarabad - A camp of Jaish- e-Mohammad terrorist organisation, this was being used as staging area. This camp was used to train terrorists in weapons, explosives & jungle cum survival techniques for carrying out terrorist activities across Line of Control in Kashmir region.
(c) Gulpur Camp, Kotli - Located 30 kilometers from the Line of Control, it was the base for LeT terrorists operating in Rajauri-Poonch. Attacks in Poonch on 20 April 2023, and Attack on innocent pilgrims travelling in a bus on 09 June 24 were conducted by terrorists trained in Gulpur. Inputs confirm that Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, the 26/11 master mind, frequently visited this camp for indoctrination and motivational speeches.
(d) Abbas Camp, Kotli - Located about 13 kilometers from Line of Control opposite Rajauri, it was known as the nerve centre for training of suicide bombers of LeT. This camp had key terrorist training infrastructure for about 50 terrorists.
(e) Barnala Camp, Bhimber - Located 9 km from Line of Control opposite Rajauri - Poonch Sector was used for providing training to terrorists in weapon handling, IED making and jungle survival techniques.
(f) Sarjal Camp, Sialkot - Located about six kilometers from the International Borders opposite Samba-Kathua. The terrorists who killed four personnel of Jammu and Kashmir Police in March 2025 were trained and launched from this camp.
(g) Mehmoona Joya Camp, Sialkot - located around 12 Km from International Boundary, near Sialkot, this was a key training facility of Hijbul Mujahideen. The camp was being used as the control center in revival of terrorism in Kathua and Jammu region. Major terrorist attacks including attack on Pathankot Air Force Base was planned and directed from this camp.
(h) Markaz Taiba, Muridke - Located around 25 kilometers from International Boundary, it was the Head Quarter of Lashka-e- Taiba led by Hafiz Syed Terrorists trained here have also associated with many terrorist attacks including Mumbai attacks in 2008. Azmal Kasab, the Pakistani Terrorist captured alive after Mumbai Attack had confessed of having received training at Muridke. As per inputs, it was revealed that David Coleman Headley had also received training at this camp.
(j) Markaz Subhan, Bahawalpur - Located around 100 Km from International Boundary, was the Headquarters of JeM. This camp was used for recruitment, training and indoctrinating JeM terrorists. The facility was frequently visited by the terrorist commanders including Masood Azhar who issued directions to their cadre from this camp.
What triggered Operation Sindoor?
The operation was launched in direct response to the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which left several civilians, including honeymooners, dead.
Among the victims was Navy Lt Vinay Narwal, whose wife’s image after the attack went viral, evoking widespread grief and outrage across the country.
ALSO READ: Operation Sindoor: India launches targeted strikes at nine targets in Pakistan & PoK to avenge Pahalgam
The name "Operation Sindoor" is believed to symbolise national mourning and resolve, particularly in memory of the young couples who were targeted.
Officials reaffirmed India’s resolve, stating, “We are living up to the commitment that those responsible for this attack will be held accountable.”
ALSO READ: Operation Sindoor: What, where, and how India avenged the deaths of 26 in deadly Pahalgam attack, explained
What are the immediate consequences?
The operation has led to widespread disruptions in air travel across northern India.
The Airports Authority of India confirmed that Srinagar airfield is shut, with no commercial flights operating from there on Wednesday.
IndiGo Airlines issued a travel advisory for affected cities including Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, and Bikaner, urging passengers to check flight status before travelling.
SpiceJet stated that operations at Dharamshala (DHM), Leh (IXL), Jammu (IXJ), Srinagar (SXR), and Amritsar (ATQ) have been suspended until further notice. Air India flights from Pune and Amritsar were also temporarily halted, according to ET sources.
International carriers have also been impacted. Qatar Airways announced the temporary suspension of flights to Pakistan due to the closure of Pakistani airspace. The airline is monitoring the situation closely and stated that it continues to prioritise the safety of passengers and crew. Travellers are advised to check updates on qatarairways.com or contact the airline’s support centre at +974 4144 5555.
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