Chief of Defence Staff: India Struck at 1:30 AM to Spare Civilians
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan explained why India launched its first strikes under Operation Sindoor at 1:30 AM instead of at dawn. He said that while early morning between 5:30 and 6:00 AM could have been tactically ideal, that time coincided with the first Azaan (call to prayer). Striking during that period, he noted, would have risked civilian lives, as people would have been outdoors in larger numbers.
Reasoning Behind the Choice
According to Chauhan, the operation was deliberately executed in darkness to ensure precision and limit exposure. Night conditions reduced visibility, helped Indian aircraft avoid detection, and minimized civilian movement around the targeted areas. He added that factors such as favorable weather, clear skies, and low chances of rain further supported the decision to strike at that particular hour. This careful planning highlighted the balance between achieving operational objectives and avoiding unnecessary harm.
Operation Sindoor Context
The strikes were carried out in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians lost their lives. Operation Sindoor targeted terror camps and infrastructure inside Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Chauhan emphasized that India’s military response was designed not only to neutralize threats but also to demonstrate restraint and responsibility. By choosing 1:30 AM, the armed forces were able to maintain the element of surprise while preventing civilian casualties, ensuring that the mission combined effectiveness with humanitarian consideration.
