New Delhi: During a special press briefing, Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), stated that between May 7 and 10, Indian retaliatory strikes under Operation Sindoor resulted in the deaths of approximately 35 to 40 Pakistani military personnel. The operation was launched in response to Pakistan’s hostile actions and was aimed specifically at eliminating terror operatives and infrastructure.
Lt Gen Ghai emphasised that the objective on May 7 was to strike only terrorist elements and their bases, avoiding civilian or general military assets of Pakistan. “Our precision strikes achieved that objective,” he said. However, he noted that later that day, Pakistan deployed UAVs and drones targeting both Indian civilian and military zones. Most of these were intercepted, and while three managed to land, they caused minimal damage.
Further escalation occurred on the night of May 8–9, when Pakistani drones and aircraft violated Indian airspace along various border sectors. These attempts to strike Indian military facilities were largely unsuccessful, according to the Army.
Air Marshal A.K. Bharti added that Indian forces responded by launching calibrated air strikes on Pakistani bases and installations across the Western Front. Targets included airbases and military assets in Chaklala, Rafiqui, Rahim Yar Khan, followed by additional strikes in Sargodha, Bhulari, and Jacobabad.
“Our intent was not to focus on casualty numbers,” said Air Marshal Bharti. “Our responsibility is to neutralise threats and infrastructure not to count fatalities. If there are casualties, it is up to them to assess.’