Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated following India's military action in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir on May 6, 2025. The Indian Army announced the launch of "Operation Sindoor," targeting nine sites it claims were used for planning and directing terrorist attacks against India. Pakistan has condemned the strikes as an "act of war" and has promised a strong response.

What Happened

• Indian Strikes: India's army launched "Operation Sindoor," hitting nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. India claims these strikes targeted terrorist infrastructure and that no Pakistani military facilities were hit. The Indian Army stated "Justice is served" in a post on X after the missiles were fired.
• Pakistani Response: Pakistan has retaliated, calling India's actions a "cowardly attack" and a violation of its sovereignty. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan is giving a "befitting reply" to India’s actions.
• Casualties and Damage: Pakistan reports that Indian missile attacks on six locations resulted in at least eight deaths and over 35 injuries. One of the missiles struck a mosque in Bahawalpur, Punjab, killing a child and injuring two adults. There are also reports that at least one infantry brigade headquarters has been destroyed.
• Locations Affected: The strikes have affected areas in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, including Muzaffarabad and Kotli, as well as locations in Pakistan's Punjab province like Bahawalpur and Muridke.
• Flight Disruptions: Air India has canceled all flights to and from several cities, including Jammu, Srinagar, and Leh in Indian-administered Kashmir, as well as cities in Gujarat and Punjab. Pakistan International Airlines has diverted flights to Karachi.

Background and Context

• Rising Tensions: Tensions have been on the rise since a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22, which India blamed on Pakistan. Pakistan has denied any involvement in the attack.
• Historical Conflicts: India and Pakistan have a long history of conflict, including wars in 1947-48, 1965, 1971, and 1999. The Line of Control (LoC) divides Kashmir into two parts.
• International Response: The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for maximum restraint from both sides. The United States has also urged both countries to exercise restraint.

Differing Accounts

• Nature of Targets: India claims it struck non-military targets. However, Pakistan asserts that India attacked civilian areas, resulting in casualties, including women and children. Pakistan's defense minister stated that all the targets hit were civilian places, not militant camps.
• Indian Aircraft: Pakistan has claimed to have shot down two Indian jets, a claim that CNN cannot independently verify. India has not issued an official statement regarding the alleged missile strikes.

Aftermath

• Emergency Declared: A state of emergency has been declared in hospitals in Pakistan, with all staff asked to report for duty. A state of emergency has also been declared in the Pakistani province of Punjab, and all educational institutions have been closed.
• Public Response: People across Pakistan have taken to the streets.
• Risk of Escalation: There are concerns about further escalation, with both countries having nuclear weapons. Some experts suggest that the current situation carries a higher risk of escalation compared to previous incidents in 2016 and 2019.