New Delhi – In a major counter-terrorism operation, the Indian armed forces eliminated more than 100 terrorists, including key figures behind the 1999 IC-814 hijacking and the 2019 Pulwama attack, according to Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt General Rajeev Ghai. Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Ghai revealed that the precision strikes were carried out in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) under Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians.
“Operation Sindoor was executed with a clear military objective: to punish the perpetrators and dismantle their infrastructure,” said Ghai. The operation specifically targeted nine terror hubs, eliminating high-value targets including Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf, and Mudasir Ahmed, all linked to the IC-814 hijacking and the Pulwama bombing.
The Indian Air Force and Indian Navy played significant roles, with the Air Force engaging terror camps and maintaining air superiority, while the Navy supported with precision munitions. Following the strikes, Pakistan retaliated along the Line of Control, causing civilian casualties and damage to religious sites, including Gurudwaras.
Ghai emphasized that the brutal nature of the Pahalgam attack, along with other recent terrorist acts, prompted India to make a resolute and forceful statement against terrorism. He also noted that some terror camps had already been vacated before the operation, anticipating Indian retaliation.
“This operation reflects India’s unwavering stance against terrorism and our readiness to act decisively in its face,” Ghai concluded.
