Indian Women Pilots Shine in Operation Sindoor, Over 200 Killed in Precision Strikes

In a significant military operation named Operation Sindoor, India executed a series of precise strikes on May 7, 2025, targeting nine terrorist headquarters in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), resulting in over 200 casualties, including 42 Pakistani military personnel. The operation, launched in response to a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, saw notable involvement from Indian women pilots, who played a critical role in its success.

The strikes inflicted substantial damage, particularly at the Jaish-e-Mohammad headquarters in Bahawalpur, where the family of India’s most-wanted terrorist, Maulana Masood Azhar, suffered heavy losses. On May 9 and 10, India deployed Brahmos missiles to target multiple Pakistani air bases, including Sargodha, Rahim Yar Khan, and Nur Khan, causing significant destruction.

Defence officials emphasized the precision of the strikes, noting that all planned targets were hit with remarkable accuracy. The operation, which remains on pause but not concluded, has kept Indian forces on high alert for potential Pakistani retaliation. Pakistan was “severely humiliated” by the operation, prompting concerns about possible counteractions. Indian forces have been instructed to stay vigilant.

The success of Operation Sindoor reflects strategic advancements made since the 2017 Doklam standoff, according to defence sources. In a powerful address in Bikaner on May 22, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored India’s resolve to counter terrorism decisively, stating that “every drop of Indian blood will be avenged.” He linked the operation to the Pahalgam attack, reinforcing India’s commitment to neutralizing terrorist threats.

Pakistan’s decision to promote Army Chief Asim Munir to Field Marshal was dismissed by Indian defence sources as a face-saving measure amid the operation’s fallout. The strikes mark a significant moment in India’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, with women pilots emerging as key contributors to the mission’s success