Operation Sindoor: India avenges Pahalgam attack with strikes against Pakistan; here's what happened overnight

In a daring and a coordinated attack under the cover of darkness, India launched one of its largest retaliatory military operations in the early hours of May 7, 2025, codenamed Operation Sindoor.

Moments past midnight, as the country slept, Indian armed forces struck nine major terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in response to the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 innocent Indians.

Using precision missile strikes by the Army, Navy, and Air Force, the operation caught Pakistan off guard, delivering a strong message that India would respond decisively to terrorism.

Also Read: Operation Sindoor: What, where, and how India avenged the deaths of 26 in deadly Pahalgam attack, explained

What happened overnight: Here's a recap in 10 points

'Jai Hind' message: The first signal came in a terse five-word post by the Indian Army on X (formerly Twitter): “Justice is served. Jai Hind!”. Accompanied by a video of military drills captioned “Ready to strike, trained to win,” it hinted at something major.

Government’s measured tone: A brief statement followed, clarifying that no Pakistani military installations were targeted. “Our actions have been focused, measured, and non-escalatory,” it said, underscoring restraint and strategic precision.

Global Messaging: India’s embassy in Washington released a detailed note citing “credible leads” linking Pakistan-based terrorists to the Pahalgam attack, seeking to shape global opinion and align key allies like the US.

The Targets: Nine locations were struck, including terror strongholds like Bahawalpur (Jaish-e-Mohammed HQ), Muridke (Lashkar-e-Taiba base), Gulpur, Bhimber, Chak Amru, Bagh, Kotli, Sialkot, and Muzaffarabad.

The Arsenal: India deployed Rafale fighter jets armed with SCALP cruise missiles and Hammer bombs, optimised for deep-penetration and precision strikes.

PM in Command: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who vowed to “identify, track, and punish” the perpetrators, monitored the operation through the night, as per several media reports.

Pakistan's Response: Islamabad termed the strikes an “act of war” and responded with artillery fire along the LoC in Poonch-Rajouri, killing at least three civilians. This marks the 13th consecutive day of ceasefire violations. Pakistan has since placed its air force jets on high alert, and warned that it would respond at a time and place of its own choosing.

Flight Disruptions: Flight operations at Dharamshala, Leh, Jammu, Srinagar, and Amritsar were suspended. Schools and colleges in several parts of Kashmir are shut today. Civilian flights from Srinagar are also halted.

Global Reactions: US President Donald Trump, in his first comment, called the attack “a shame” and hinted he had advance knowledge that something was imminent. Meanwhile, Israel has extended its support to India. "Israel supports India’s right for self defense. Terrorists should know there’s no place to hide from their heinous crimes against the innocent," posted Reuven Azar, Ambassador of Israel to India, on X.

Cabinet Meetings: A Union Cabinet meeting and security meeting is expected to take place at 11 am.

Also Read: Operation Sindoor: Jet flyovers, blasts jolt Kashmir overnight as India avenges Pahalgam attack

More details on the incident will be released during a press briefing by the Ministry of Defence which is scheduled for 10 am today (May 7, 2025).