The Indian military has declared its readiness to counter any potential provocations from Pakistan that could heighten tensions between the two nations. This statement was made on Wednesday, following a series of strikes targeting alleged terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, which were executed in retaliation for a recent terror attack in Pahalgam.

The operation, named Operation Sindoor, involved the targeting of nine specific locations, as confirmed by the defense ministry. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi detailed that the strikes occurred between 1:05 AM and 1:30 AM.

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh emphasized that the strikes utilized advanced precision technology to minimize collateral damage, ensuring that the impact was confined to designated buildings. The military showcased footage of the operations during a press briefing.

Among the sites struck were the Markaz Subhan Allah in Bahawalpur, linked to the Jaish-e-Mohammed group, and the Markaz Taiba in Muridke, associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba. Other locations included Sarjal in Tehra Kalan and Mehmoona Joya in Sialkot, which is connected to Hizbul Mujahideen.

The military also targeted Markaz Abbas and Maskar Raheel Shahid in Kotli, as well as camps in Muzaffarabad. Notably, the Muridke camp was reportedly used for training Ajmal Kasab, a key figure in the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that The Resistance Front, linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack, which occurred on April 22 and resulted in 26 fatalities and 17 injuries. The attackers reportedly targeted tourists based on their religious identity, with the majority of victims being Hindu.

Misri highlighted that the attack aimed to disrupt the return to normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir and to incite communal tensions within India. He criticized Pakistan for failing to take decisive action against terrorists operating from its territory.

In response, Pakistan acknowledged the strikes, with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar stating that the Indian Air Force targeted sites within its airspace. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asserted that Pakistan has the right to respond forcefully to these actions.

Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, from Pakistan's military, claimed that the strikes resulted in civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure, including mosques. Meanwhile, the Indian Army reported that three civilians were killed due to retaliatory fire from the Pakistan Army across the Line of Control.

Pakistan also alleged that it had downed three Indian military aircraft, a claim that remains unverified. The Indian foreign secretary refrained from taking questions, indicating that the situation is still developing and further information will be shared as it becomes available.

The Indian defense ministry characterized its military actions as focused and restrained, asserting that no military facilities in Pakistan were targeted.