Sophia Qureshi: When she showed bravery during a 72-hour operation in Africa, even the company commander became a fan of Colonel Sophia

Posted on 8th May 2025 by rohit kumar

After the Indian Army's Operation Sindoor on Pakistani terrorist camps, India's female military officer Colonel Sophia Qureshi is in the news. Colonel Sophia herself gave information in a program about the challenging conditions in which she has worked as a soldier. Sophia had told that a military contingent formed by combining several countries had successfully carried out a challenging 72-hour operation in East Africa. During this, it was the responsibility of the entire contingent to save the lives of civilians.

 

While talking to CNBC, Colonel Qureshi spoke candidly on women empowerment. She said, being from a family of warriors, bravery is in her genes. It was her dream to join the army. The Indian Army is the best institution, it is a privilege to be a part of it. After coming here, one gets a chance to overcome challenges. There is a feeling of pride in serving the country.

 

After joining the army as a lieutenant, Colonel Sophia also recalled a thing related to Operation Parakram. She told, 'When I was in the division, her company commander said that, Sophia, if you want a salute, you have to earn it. We have to work seriously.' In this program of August 2023, Sophia said, looking back today, I realize that I have earned a salute due to my service and hard work in the army. Sophia said that she got good mentors, working under whose guidance she also got a commendation card in Operation Parakram.

 

What difficult challenges do you face as a soldier? Answering this, Colonel Sophia also recalled an experience from the African country Congo. She said the Indian Army has been a pioneer in sending soldiers to the UN. She was in the second batch of women officers. She had the privilege of participating in an operation during the historic presidential election.

 

Sophia said, the military contingent formed with soldiers from countries like Sweden, Tunisia, Uruguay had to conduct a cordon and search operation. India was leading it. We successfully carried out an operation of about 72 hours. After the operation was over, the company commander expressed curiosity about her. He asked who is that woman officer of the Indian Army? After hearing this, he felt proud. People got to know the Indian Army, not Sophia Qureshi.

 

She also got the opportunity to lead the military contingent of ASEAN countries. She was the only female military officer among 22 countries. She also got many important opportunities during her posting in Northeast India. She also got the opportunity to participate in the mentorship and training of the first women's military police. She is commanding a unit of women soldiers. After a long service, today she is a Lieutenant Colonel. It is a matter of pride. Being from the first batch of women soldiers gives a feeling of pride.

 

Where did Colonel Sophia come into the limelight once again?

 

Let us tell you that the official pictures of the nine Pakistani terrorist bases attacked by India under Operation Sindoor were released on Wednesday. Indian Army's women officers - Wing Commander Vyomika and Colonel Sophia gave detailed information on Operation Sindoor. They said that missile attacks have been carried out on five terrorist bases in PoJK, while there are four terrorist bases which are within the Pakistani border. The special thing is that four missiles were fired one after the other on Lashkar's headquarters- Markaz-Taiba in Muridke. After this sensitive presentation, Colonel Sophia is constantly in the news.