Washington:
Michael Rubin, a former Pentagon official, stated that India has effectively targeted terrorist infrastructure, which has limited Pakistan’s ability to respond following the recent military action. He remarked, “Pakistan was hurriedly seeking a ceasefire, like a dog with its tail between its legs.”
In a discussion with ANI, Rubin, now a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, expressed that the Pakistani military is acutely aware of its losses. He noted that India has secured both diplomatic and military victories, with the global focus shifting toward the support of terrorism by Pakistan.
Reflecting on India’s strike on May 7th and its implications, Rubin asserted, “India has successfully achieved this both diplomatically and militarily.”
He pointed out that the attendance of Pakistani military officers at terrorist funerals signifies a troubling lack of distinction between terrorists and military personnel, indicating a need for Pakistan to address corruption within its ranks. “Certainly, we can say that Pakistan has initiated a conflict with India, but it feels distinctly different this time,” he added.
On Pakistan’s reaction, he mentioned that India was able to mitigate their response, and while Pakistan attempted further retaliation at airfields, India succeeded in seeking a ceasefire, albeit under tense circumstances. The situation remains unresolved, raising questions about the depth of their willingness to engage.
Following terrorist attacks in Jammu and Pahargam, Kashmir on April 22nd that resulted in 26 fatalities, Indian forces launched Operation Sindoah on May 7, targeting terrorist infrastructures in the region, leading to over 100 terrorists being neutralized, including those from groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba.
In retaliation, Pakistan made attempts to fire across the line of control in Jammu and Kashmir and carried out drone attacks near the border. India subsequently conducted strikes on radar sites, communications centers, and airfields at various locations in Pakistan. By May 10, an agreement was reached between India and Pakistan to halt hostilities.
