Operation Sindoor Still Underway, Says IAF After Fragile India-Pak Ceasefire
The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Sunday confirmed that Operation Sindoor—a counter-offensive launched in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam—remains ongoing, even as a fragile ceasefire between India and Pakistan appeared to falter within hours of being announced.
The statement comes a day after both New Delhi and Islamabad declared a ceasefire, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim of having brokered peace between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. However, continued hostilities on the ground, including heavy shelling from Pakistan along the Rajouri sector and drone activity near sensitive military zones, have cast doubt on the durability of the ceasefire.
“Since the operations are still ongoing, a detailed briefing will be conducted in due course. The IAF urges all to refrain from speculation and dissemination of unverified information,” the Air Force said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The IAF added that it had “successfully executed its assigned tasks in Operation Sindoor, with precision and professionalism.” The missions, it said, were conducted “in a deliberate and discreet manner, aligned with National Objectives.”
Operation Sindoor was launched following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, believed to have been carried out by Pakistan-backed infiltrators. The Indian response, executed across multiple nights from May 6 to 7, reportedly targeted at least nine terror camps located in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and parts of Punjab province.
Air strikes were carried out with pinpoint accuracy, showcasing India’s growing capability to conduct high-risk operations beyond its borders while minimizing collateral damage. Officials confirmed the use of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles during the strikes, a fact publicly acknowledged by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday during an event attended by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Despite the ceasefire announcement, tensions escalated again late Saturday evening as explosions were reported in Srinagar and Baramulla, prompting a cryptic post by former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who wrote, “What the hell just happened? Explosions heard across Srinagar!!!”
In parallel, India’s air defence systems were activated after multiple drones were detected near strategic military installations. At least four drones were shot down in the vicinity of the Army headquarters, according to government sources.
The events underscore the volatility of the situation on the ground and raise questions about the effectiveness of the ceasefire. While the IAF maintains operational silence on specifics, the continuation of Operation Sindoor suggests that India remains on high alert and is prepared for further escalation if necessary.
IT.
