In a strategic and restrained counter-terrorism move, India launched Operation Sindoor in the early hours of May 7, 2025, striking nine terror hubs across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Notably, two of these sites—Bahawalpur and Kotli—were under Indian radar back in 2019 during the Balakot airstrikes but were left untouched to avoid escalation.

Why Bahawalpur and Kotli Were Chosen Now
Bahawalpur, a key city in Punjab province, is known to be the headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), the terror outfit behind several attacks on Indian soil. It was also where Pakistan’s former President Zia-ul-Haq died in a plane crash in 1988. On the other hand, Kotli, located in PoK near the Poonch River, has long been a logistical node for terrorist activity across the Line of Control.

While these sites were considered during the 2019 Balakot strike, India refrained from targeting them then, as it may have been perceived as an overt act of aggression. However, the recent Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, forced India to act.

Focused but Firm: India's Message to Terror Infrastructure
The Defence Ministry released a statement shortly after the operation, clarifying that “no Pakistani military facilities were targeted”, reinforcing India’s aim to dismantle terror infrastructure without provoking broader conflict. The selection of targets was precise, calibrated, and proportionate, designed to demonstrate deterrence rather than spark war.

Pakistan’s Acknowledgment
As of now, Pakistan has acknowledged strikes on only three of the nine reported targets. Meanwhile, India’s official statement remains that it took “measured and non-escalatory” action, showcasing restraint combined with resolve.

Conclusion
With Operation Sindoor, India has reasserted its counter-terrorism doctrine—combining strategic patience with decisive force. By revisiting previously marked locations like Bahawalpur and Kotli, New Delhi has signaled that no terror base is permanently immune from retaliation.

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