All Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots involved in the high-stakes Operation Sindoor have been confirmed safe, official sources stated early Wednesday morning. The operation, a precision strike on nine key terror hubs across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), was carried out in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which left 26 civilians, mostly tourists, dead.
The successful completion of the mission without any casualties to Indian personnel comes as a major relief amid heightened military and diplomatic tensions. “All pilots who participated in the operation are accounted for and safe,” sources affirmed, refuting Pakistani claims of downed Indian jets.
Airspace Tensions Mount
Indian airspace remains under close surveillance, with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and defence establishments maintaining heightened alertness amid fears of Pakistani retaliation. Airports across northern India — including Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Amritsar, and Dharamshala — have suspended civilian operations, while major airlines like Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet have either cancelled or rerouted flights.
On the other side of the border, Pakistan’s airspace appeared nearly empty, with commercial flight tracking services showing minimal activity following the strikes. Pakistan has closed major airports in Lahore and Sialkot for 48 hours.
Massive Terror Infrastructure Hit
Operation Sindoor — a joint tri-services mission involving the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force — struck deep inside enemy territory without crossing the Line of Control or international border. Using Rafale fighter jets armed with SCALP and HAMMER precision missiles, India targeted high-value terror infrastructure in Bahawalpur, Muridke, Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and other regions, eliminating an estimated 80–90 terrorists.
Among the key targets hit were:
- Jaish-e-Mohammed’s Bahawalpur HQ
- Lashkar-e-Taiba’s Muridke base
- Terror training sites in Kotli, Chak Amru, and Gulpur
Intelligence sources confirmed that the RAW had pre-identified the locations, ensuring accurate hits with zero civilian casualties. Government sources reiterated that no Pakistani military or civilian infrastructure was targeted, maintaining the operation’s “measured and non-escalatory” stance.
National Reactions and Diplomacy
The Indian political spectrum largely stood united, with leaders across parties lauding the armed forces. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who reportedly coined the operation’s codename “Sindoor,” has remained in constant touch with top military brass.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, and Sufi Council Chairman Syed Naseruddin Chishty hailed the operation as a necessary and just response to cross-border terrorism.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the operation an “act of war,” and the country’s National Security Committee has convened an emergency meeting. Pakistan’s Defence Ministry claimed Indian aircraft were shot down — a statement firmly denied by Indian authorities.
Global Watch
Internationally, the situation is being closely monitored. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and NSA Ajit Doval have held direct talks, with the U.S. urging restraint and calling for de-escalation.
As the region holds its breath, the Indian Armed Forces remain on full operational readiness. A joint press briefing by the tri-services is scheduled at 10 AM, expected to reveal further details about the mission and India’s forward posture.
