Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif reported that Indian missiles struck Pakistani territory early Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of at least three civilians, including a child. According to Asif, the missiles targeted multiple civilian locations.
The strikes occurred amidst escalating tensions between the two countries, following a militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. India has accused Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism, a charge Pakistan denies.
According to the Director-General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the Indian strikes hit Kotli, Bahawalpur, Muridke, Bagh, and Muzaffarabad. The ISPR reported that a child was killed and 12 people were injured in Ahmedpur East, and two civilians were killed in Kotli. Chaudhry also stated that a mosque in Kotli was targeted, which he attributed to "RSS Hindutva ideology". He added that Pakistan's retaliation was underway on the ground and in the air.
India has confirmed launching "Operation Sindoor," asserting that it targeted infrastructure in Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) used for planning and directing terrorist attacks against India. The Indian government described the strikes as "focused, measured, and non-escalatory," claiming that no Pakistani military facilities were targeted and that restraint was exercised in selecting targets and methods.
Pakistan's military has stated that the strikes were launched from Indian airspace and that none of India's aircraft crossed the border. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif challenged India's claim that only militant infrastructure was targeted, inviting international media to verify the sites. He accused India of targeting women and children and asserted that Pakistan would retaliate with a "far greater response".
These recent events mark a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan, raising concerns about further instability in the region.