Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, alongside Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, briefed the media on 'Operation Sindoor', India's significant retaliatory action against terrorism – marking the largest strike since Balakot in 2019.
During a press briefing, Colonel Qureshi stated that Operation Sindoor was launched to bring justice to the victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, with nine terrorist camps targeted and destroyed in Pakistan.
Army Col. Qureshi also stated that the operation was carried out between 1:05 am to 1:30 am on Wednesday.
Who Is Army Colonel Sophia Qureshi?
Colonel Sophia Qureshi, hailing from Gujarat, comes from a distinguished military family. Her grandfather served in the Indian Army, and she is married to an officer in the Mechanised Infantry Regiment.
Col Qureshi, who joined the Indian Army in 1999 through the Officers Training Academy, has served in a variety of roles across the country, including counter-terrorism operations with the Signal Regiment.
Her military lineage, with her great-grandfather and relatives serving in the British Army, inspired her to join the armed forces.
Colonel Qureshi has an illustrious service record, which includes notable achievements.
During Operation Parakram on the Punjab border, he played a key role, for which he received a letter of commendation from the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief.
Her exceptional leadership in flood relief operations in the North East, particularly in managing communications, received another letter of commendation from the Signal Officer-in-Chief.
Colonel Qureshi created history in 2016 by becoming the first woman officer to lead the Indian Army training contingent at the ASEAN Plus multinational regional training exercise, FORCE 18.
Notably, she was also the only female troop commander across all participating nations.
Who is Wing Commander Vyomika Singh?
Meanwhile, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh has flown several high-risk missions, earning her a reputation as a respected and accomplished officer in the Indian Air Force.
Vyomika's exemplary service has been rewarded with awards, including a commendation by the Signal Officer-in-Chief for her services during flood relief operations in the North East.
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, commissioned into the Indian Air Force in 2004, has an impeccable service record in helicopter operations and has extensive experience in flying Chetak and Cheetah helicopters.
In 2017, she was promoted to the rank of Wing Commander. Vyomika has also been a trailblazer of sorts for women in the IAF.
