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Fact check: Gaza photos falsely shared as attack on Sialkot, Pakistan

Indian forces launched precision missile strikes on terror targets in Pakistan and PoK. Several Gaza war photos were falsely circulated as "attack on Sialkot."

Published on: May 8, 2025, 03:00:47 IST
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The Indian armed forces carried out coordinated precision missile strikes on nine key terror targets located in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Photos from past Israeli airstrikes on Gaza falsely circulated as visuals of “Indian strikes on Sialkot.” (X/ @swanaamdhaanya)
Photos from past Israeli airstrikes on Gaza falsely circulated as visuals of “Indian strikes on Sialkot.” (X/ @swanaamdhaanya)

Dubbed ‘Operation Sindoor,’ the offensive was launched in the early hours of May 7, in a joint operation involving the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The strikes were carried out in response to the April 22 Pahalgam massacre, which left at least 26 civilians dead.

In a statement, the Indian Ministry of Defence said, “Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in selection of targets and method of execution.”

“These steps come in the wake of the barbaric Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were murdered. We are living up to the commitment that those responsible for this attack will be held accountable.”

Amid the operation, misinformation spread online. Several photos and videos from past Israeli airstrikes on Gaza were falsely circulated as visuals of “Indian strikes on Sialkot.” One widely shared image, for instance, was a three-year-old photo originally published by The New York Times.

Which terror camps were targeted in Operation Sindoor?

The nine terror camps targeted on Wednesday were -

Sawai Nala Camp (Muzaffarabad)

Syedna Belal Camp

Gulpur Camp

Abbas Camp

Barnala Camp

Sarjal Camp

Mehmoona Joya Camp

Markaz Taiba (Bahawalpur)

Markaz Subhan (Bahawalpur)

Also Read: India avenges Pahalgam strike, hits 9 Pak terror camps, holds security drills | Operation Sindoor in 5 points

How many were killed in Operation Sindoor?

At a press briefing on Wednesday afternoon, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi confirmed that the operation did not target any Pakistani military installations and that no civilian casualties had been reported.

Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Maulana Masood Azhar claimed that 10 members of his family and four close associates were killed in a missile strike on the group's headquarters in Bahawalpur.

  • Vaishnavi Vaidyanathan
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Vaishnavi Vaidyanathan

    Vaishnavi Vaidyanathan leads the US Desk at Hindustan Times, where she writes, strategises coverage, and ensures quality across all beats. With eight years of experience covering US news for leading publications, she has reported extensively on politics, entertainment, and sports. Vaishnavi holds a graduate degree in English, Journalism, and Psychology, and completed her PG Diploma in Broadcast Journalism from the Manorama School of Communication, where she was awarded the prestigious Mammen Mappillai Award for Best Outgoing Student. She began her career at the International Business Times (US Edition), covering US breaking news, politics, and entertainment. She later joined Opoyi, reporting across all beats, including US sports and trending stories. Prior to Hindustan Times, she served as World Lead at Times Now News, covering comprehensive world news and events. Vaishnavi has expertise in politics, entertainment, and breaking news, and enjoys tackling stories across a wide range of topics. Beyond the newsroom, she is an avid traveller, a foodie who loves exploring new restaurants, and a pop culture enthusiast who enjoys watching latest shows and films. She also enjoys engaging in debates and discussions on Reddit.Read More

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