Col Sofyia Qureshi, Wg Cdr Vyomika Singh Brief on ‘OP SINDOOR’

NEW DELHI: In a strategic move aimed at delivering justice to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and their families, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation SINDOOR on the night of May 6-7, 2025, between 0105 and 0130 hours. The operation saw the successful destruction of nine terrorist training camps located in both Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK).

Speaking to the media, Col Sofyia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh provided comprehensive details on the operation, emphasizing the critical intelligence that led to the selection of targets and the precision with which the strikes were executed. The operation was designed as a direct response to Pakistan’s long-standing role in fostering and maintaining terror infrastructure, which has been a major threat to India for over three decades.

“Operation SINDOOR was launched to deliver justice to the victims of the Pahalgam attack and to send a resolute message to those who continue to perpetuate terror,” Col Qureshi stated.

“The camps that were targeted were directly responsible for training the terrorists who carried out attacks in Sonmarg, Gulmarg, and most recently, the Pahalgam attack.”

For decades, Pakistan has established a complex web of terror infrastructure, including recruitment and indoctrination centers, training camps for both initial and refresher courses, and launch pads, all spread across Pakistan and POJK. The facilities were carefully selected to ensure that there would be no collateral damage, with targets chosen based on credible intelligence inputs about their role in perpetrating terror activities.

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Col Qureshi elaborated on the key camps that were neutralized:

In POJK:

1. Sawai Nala Camp, Muzaffarabad: Located 30 km from the Line of Control (LoC) in the Tangdhar Sector, this LeT training facility was linked to several recent attacks, including the Sonmarg attack on October 20, 2024, the Gulmarg attack on October 24, 2024, and the Pahalgam attack on April 22, 2025.
2. Syedna Belal Camp, Muzaffarabad: A Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) facility used for staging and training terrorists in weapons, explosives, and jungle survival techniques. It was a key base for operations across the LoC in the Kashmir region.
3. Gulpur Camp, Kotli: Situated 30 km from the LoC, this camp served as a base for LeT terrorists operating in the Rajauri-Poonch sector. It was linked to the Poonch attack on April 20, 2023, and the attack on innocent pilgrims traveling in a bus on June 9, 2024. The camp was frequented by Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, the mastermind behind the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
4. Abbas Camp, Kotli: Located about 13 km from the LoC opposite Rajauri, this was the center for training suicide bombers for LeT. It housed key terrorist training infrastructure for about 50 militants.
5. Barnala Camp, Bhimber: Situated 9 km from the LoC opposite the Rajauri-Poonch sector, this camp was involved in providing training in weapon handling, IED-making, and jungle survival techniques.

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In Pakistan:

6. Sarjal Camp, Sialkot: Located about 6 km from the International Border opposite Samba-Kathua, this camp was linked to the terrorists responsible for the killing of four Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel in March 2025.
7. Mehmoona Joya Camp, Sialkot: Situated 12 km from the International Boundary, this camp was a key facility for the Hizbul Mujahideen, which had been revitalizing terrorism in the Kathua and Jammu regions. Major attacks, including the Pathankot Air Force Base attack, were planned from here.
8. Markaz Taiba, Muridke: Located around 25 km from the International Boundary, this was the headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), led by Hafiz Saeed. Terrorists trained at this camp were involved in multiple attacks, including the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Notably, Azmal Kasab, the lone surviving terrorist from the Mumbai attack, had confessed to receiving training here.
9. Markaz Subhan, Bahawalpur: Situated 100 km from the International Boundary, this was the headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM). It was a major hub for recruitment, training, and indoctrination of JeM terrorists and frequently visited by key commanders, including Masood Azhar, who issued directions to his cadre from this camp.

The operation was conducted with utmost precision using niche technology weapons, ensuring no collateral damage.

“The strikes were carefully executed to neutralize specific buildings or groups of buildings linked directly to terrorist training and operations,” Col Qureshi stated. “This clinical efficiency underscores the professionalism of the Indian Armed Forces.”

She further emphasized that no military establishments were targeted, and no civilian installations were damaged.

“We exercised extreme care to avoid any harm to innocent lives, and so far, there have been no reports of collateral damage,” she confirmed.

Col Qureshi highlighted India’s restraint in its response, adding that while India seeks peace and stability, the Armed Forces are fully prepared to respond to any escalation or misadventure by Pakistan.

“We are prepared to take further action if Pakistan attempts to escalate the situation,” she stated.

Through Operation SINDOOR, India has once again demonstrated its commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and combating terrorism with precision and professionalism. The successful execution of this operation reiterates the resolve of the Indian Armed Forces in protecting the nation and ensuring that those who perpetrate violence face the full consequences of their actions.