India marked a significant escalation in tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors when it launched a series of missile strikes into Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
India identified nine sites as terrorist infrastructure linked to organizations like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, and the operation was codenamed “Operation Sindoor.”
India’s strikes were in response to a deadly attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, where 26 civilians, predominantly Hindu tourists, were killed.
Pakistan has refuted India’s claim that militant groups based in Pakistan orchestrated the attack. During the 23-minute operation, Rafale jets with SCALP missiles and AASM Hammer bombs were used by the Indian Air Force.
Bahawalpur, Muridke, and Muzaffarabad were among the targets. At least 26 civilians, including children, died and dozens were injured in the Indian missile attacks, Pakistan reported. Pakistan claimed that it had damaged Indian infrastructure and shot down several Indian jets in retaliation.
India, on the other hand, reported that Pakistani cross-border artillery fire in Indian-administered Kashmir claimed the lives of numerous civilians.
International leaders have urged restraint and a de-escalation of hostilities as a result of the escalation’s concern. In light of the heightened tensions, India has initiated nationwide civil defense drills, including testing air raid sirens and preparing bomb shelters, to bolster readiness for potential further escalations.
Both countries are on high alert, and the international community is keeping a close eye on the situation.
