Surgical strikes
You will have 20 minutes to plan, write and revise an essay about the topic below. Your response will be judged on how well you develop a position, organize your ideas, present supporting details, and control the elements of standard written English. You should write 200-300 words.
A surgical strike refers to a precise military operation aimed at neutralizing specific targets with minimal collateral damage. In recent times, the term gained prominence in the context of counter-terrorism operations, where special forces conduct swift and targeted strikes against terrorist elements or enemy installations. Surgical strikes are characterized by their precision, strategic planning, and limited scope, avoiding widespread destruction and civilian casualties.
One of the most notable instances of a surgical strike occurred in 2016 when the Indian military conducted operations across the Line of Control (LoC) in response to a terrorist attack on an army base in Uri. The strikes targeted terrorist launch pads, sending a strong message against cross-border terrorism.
The effectiveness of surgical strikes lies in their ability to deliver a powerful military response without escalating into full-scale warfare. These operations require meticulous planning, intelligence gathering, and the deployment of highly trained special forces. The element of surprise and the specific targeting of enemy assets contribute to the success of surgical strikes.
While surgical strikes demonstrate a nation’s resolve to protect its security interests, they also raise ethical and diplomatic considerations. International reactions vary, with some nations supporting the right to self-defense, while others express concerns about sovereignty and the potential for escalation.
In conclusion, surgical strikes represent a modern military strategy employed to address immediate security threats with precision and efficiency. While they serve as a deterrent and a means of protecting national security, their use requires careful consideration of geopolitical implications and adherence to international norms.