Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated dramatically on Wednesday after India launched airstrikes on Pakistani territory in response to last month’s deadly attack on Hindu tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir.
At least eight people were reported dead in what Pakistan has described as a “blatant act of war.” The military confrontation marks the worst fighting between the two nuclear-armed neighbours in over two decades.
The strikes, which India dubbed Operation Sindoor, targeted nine sites said to be used by Pakistan-based militant groups, including Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. India blamed these groups for the recent massacre of at least 26 Hindu tourists, though Pakistan has denied any involvement.
In a statement, the Indian government claimed the operation focused on “terrorist infrastructure” and emphasized that its military had exercised restraint in the selection of targets. Indian forces reportedly remained in Indian airspace, using stand-off weapons to carry out the attacks.
Pakistan countered that Indian missiles struck at least three civilian areas, accusing New Delhi of violating its sovereignty and triggering a “deliberate military escalation.” A military spokesperson in Islamabad claimed five Indian aircraft were shot down—a claim yet to be confirmed by Indian authorities.
The two countries also exchanged heavy shelling and gunfire along the Line of Control in Kashmir. In Pakistani-controlled Kashmir’s capital, Muzaffarabad, residents experienced power outages following the strikes.
According to Pakistan’s military, in addition to the fatalities, 35 people were injured and two others remain missing. The foreign ministry warned that India’s actions could destabilize regional peace and violate the 2003 ceasefire agreement, which both nations reaffirmed in 2021.
The international community is yet to respond, but analysts warn the situation could spiral further if diplomatic efforts are not initiated swiftly.
