US issues travel warning for Jammu and Kashmir after Operation Sindoor

The United States has issued a security alert advising its citizens against travel to Jammu and Kashmir following India's launch of Operation Sindoor, a military offensive targeting terror sites in Pakistan and PoK.The alert, published by the US Embassy in India, referenced the ministry of defense's confirmation of the strikes: "The Indian Ministry of Defense confirmed launching Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025. As advised in the India Travel Advisory, U.S. citizens should avoid travel to the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. As stated in the April 23, 2025 Security Alert, U.S. government personnel are prohibited from traveling to Jammu and Kashmir.” The alert also noted possible flight disruptions across India.Operation Sindoor, launched shortly after midnight on May 7, saw Indian forces strike nine targets in Pakistan and Punjab province. The strikes came in retaliation for a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which left 26 people dead. Pakistan’s military confirmed the attacks, saying that 31 people had been killed and 57 injured.In response, Pakistan conducted heavy artillery shelling along the Line of Control (LoC), killing at least 13 civilians, including four children, and a soldier. Several homes were damaged in forward villages, sparking panic among residents.The Indian Army has also responded proportionately to what officials described as “unprovoked” firing in areas along Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri and Akhnoor.