Indian officials say strikes on Pakistan mark 'new normal' in response

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
11 May 2025 18:47
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Operation Sindoor, which began on May 7, has involved coordinated airstrikes by India's Army, Navy, and Air Force across multiple sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

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Left to right; Air Marshal AK Bharti, Director General of Military Operations Lt. Gen. Rajiv Ghai, Vice Admiral AN Pramod and Maj. Gen. SS Sharda address a press conference in New Delhi, Sunday, May 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

Indian sources informed the ANI news agency on Sunday that New Delhi is carrying out targeted strikes against infrastructure inside Pakistan as part of Operation Sindoor, a military campaign launched in retaliation for last month's mass shooting in Pahalgam.

The sources stated, "Both Pakistan and the world must accept that it cannot be business as usual." They added that the operation is meant "to bring the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack to justice" and represents "a new normal in India's approach to fighting terrorism."

The April 22 bombing near Pahalgam killed 25 Indian nationals and one Nepalese citizen. India has placed blame on Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) for the assault, while Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has denied any involvement.

Operation Sindoor, which began on May 7, has involved coordinated airstrikes by India's Army, Navy, and Air Force across multiple sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The Indian Defense Ministry has described the targets as "terrorist infrastructure," including suspected camps and operational hubs of groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed in locations like Bahawalpur, Muridke, and Muzaffarabad. According to Indian officials, the strikes have resulted in the deaths of nearly 100 militants.

Despite a ceasefire agreement reportedly brokered by the United States on May 10, both sides have accused each other of violating the truce within hours. India maintains that Pakistan breached the terms of the deal, prompting further retaliation. The Indian Air Force later stated that it had "successfully executed its assigned tasks" under Operation Sindoor, signaling that the campaign remains active.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has condemned the strikes as an "act of war" and vowed to respond. Military alert levels along the border remain high, and international actors, including the US and China, have called for restraint and renewed dialogue.