INVC NEWS Washington – A thunderous wave of retaliation has reshaped South Asia’s power dynamics as India launched precision airstrikes on multiple terrorist hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). These strikes come in response to the devastating Pahalgam attack, with New Delhi vowing an uncompromising stance against cross-border terrorism.
U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the press, confirming that Washington was aware something major was imminent, and expressed hope that the crisis between the nuclear neighbors would not escalate further.
Trump: “We Knew Something Was Going to Happen”
Speaking at a press conference, President Trump acknowledged early intelligence signals pointing to India’s impending military response.
“We heard about it as soon as we came inside the Oval Room,” Trump stated.
“Based on some of the past, we had a feeling something was going to happen. They’ve been fighting for decades and centuries. I hope it ends quickly.”
The comment hints at ongoing U.S. monitoring of subcontinental tensions and reflects the White House’s preference for swift de-escalation between India and Pakistan.
Ajit Doval Dials Diplomacy: Calls With U.S., Russia, UAE, UK, Saudi Arabia
Soon after India’s strategic operations began, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval held high-level talks with key global counterparts. Notably, Doval spoke directly to U.S. NSA and Foreign Minister Marco Rubio, affirming India’s position and rationale behind the offensive.
Indian sources confirmed that urgent discussions were also held with Russia, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates—ensuring international partners were aligned with India’s counter-terror stance.
Airstrikes Precision-Target Jaish Terror Camps in Pakistan and PoK
According to official statements and local sources:
Indian missiles struck Kotli, Muzaffarabad, and Bagh in PoK
Strategic targets also included Bahawalpur—the headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)—and Muridke in Pakistan’s Punjab province
These were not random strikes, but carefully mapped counter-terror hits targeting infrastructure used by Jaish and other groups
Pakistani army spokesperson Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry confirmed the strikes, admitting that three Pakistani citizens were killed and 12 others injured.
Subhanallah Masjid in Bahawalpur: Major Target in the Strike
Among the most heavily hit sites was the Subhanallah Jama Masjid in Bahawalpur, a known ideological and recruitment center for JeM. This same region has long been accused of harboring and protecting high-value terror figures, including Masood Azhar, the chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed.
Pakistani media acknowledged that strikes in Bahawalpur shook the ground across entire districts, with significant structural damage to suspected terror compounds.
Pakistan Closes Airspace, Scrambles for Response
In response to the Indian offensive, Pakistan swiftly shut down its airspace for all commercial and military aircraft for 48 hours. This sudden move signaled Islamabad’s defensive posture and concern about further escalation.
Though Pakistan’s military continues to downplay the strategic significance of the strikes, analysts indicate that India has demonstrated unprecedented reach and precision, signaling a shift in how New Delhi counters terrorism.
Global Reactions: Support and Caution
International reactions are a mix of cautious endorsement and calls for restraint:
The U.S. reaffirmed India’s right to defend itself, emphasizing the importance of avoiding civilian casualties
Russia and the UAE called for “measured responses,” while also backing India’s claim of legitimate self-defense
The UK urged both nations to open diplomatic dialogue, while privately expressing concern over Pakistan’s role in sheltering anti-India terror groups
Strategic Significance of India’s Air Response
This operation—reportedly code-named “Operation Sindoor”—comes as India pivots toward a zero-tolerance policy against terror launchpads across the LoC. Unlike past surgical strikes, this air operation penetrated deeper, targeting five heavily fortified locations known to shelter terrorist infrastructure.
By hitting targets in Bahawalpur and Muridke, India sent an unequivocal message: no place is safe for terror architects, even in mainland Pakistan.
