Have Armed Forces Successfully Eliminated 100 Terrorists on 'Operation Sindoor'?

New Delhi, May 11 (NationPress) A panel of senior defence officials announced on Sunday that India has successfully eliminated 100 terrorists across nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), including three key operatives connected to the Kandahar hijacking and the Pulwama attack.

During a press conference that provided insight into recent military operations and counter-terrorism initiatives, the panel, which included Lt General Rajiv Ghai, Vice Admiral AN Pramod, and Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti, shared important updates on Operation Sindoor.

Lt General Rajiv Ghai reflected on the tragic events of the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent individuals due to a vicious act of terrorism.

In retaliation, the Indian Army executed precision strikes on terrorist hideouts in both Pakistan and PoK, inflicting significant damage on hostile entities.

During the May 7 offensive, Lt Gen Ghai reported that India eliminated 100 terrorists across nine locations, which notably included three high-profile figures associated with the Kandahar hijacking and Pulwama attack.

The operation was meticulously planned, targeting Pakistan’s terror infrastructure with decisive force.

“The targets were exclusively terrorists, ensuring minimal collateral damage,” the senior military official stated.

In spite of this, Pakistan attempted retaliatory strikes on Indian military bases using drones and missile systems.

However, Indian forces successfully intercepted these threats and executed a punitive countermeasure, resulting in significant losses for Pakistan’s military, estimated to be between 35 and 40 personnel.

Tragically, the operation also resulted in the loss of five Indian soldiers who gave their lives in the line of duty, as confirmed by the senior military officer.

Military officials reiterated that Pakistan’s armed forces did not breach Indian territory, and every Indian strike was directed solely at neutralizing identified threats.

Air Marshal Bharti underscored that India's primary objective was to eliminate terrorist operatives, not to engage in direct combat with Pakistan’s military.

Nevertheless, when drone and UAV incursions occurred, India had no option but to deploy its defensive measures.

Post-Pahalgam, strategic preparations were heightened, including combat drills in the Arabian Sea and evaluations of weapon systems.

The Indian Navy maintained constant surveillance over Pakistan’s naval forces, ensuring comprehensive situational awareness and compelling the Pakistani navy to remain in harbor.

Bharti highlighted the systematic neutralization of incoming aerial threats in Jammu, Udhampur, Pathankot, Dalhousie, and Phalodi.

India’s trained defense units rapidly activated air defense protocols, neutralizing the repeated intrusions without incurring damage. Operation Sindoor effectively targeted key military assets in Pakistan, including command and airbase structures in Chaklala, Rafiki, and Rahriyar Khan.

Officials stressed India’s unwavering stance — “aggression will not go unanswered”, asserting that any escalation would be met with proportionate retaliation.

“The response will be fair and punitive,” Gen Ghai concluded. While emphasizing India's superior targeting capabilities, military leaders urged Pakistan to refrain from escalating tensions further.

The Indian armed forces remain vigilant, dedicated to ensuring national security while reaffirming their commitment to maintaining peace.