Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated sharply following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir on April 22, 2025, in which 26 people were killed. India has blamed Pakistan for backing the attack, accusing Islamabad of supporting the deadliest terrorist operation in years against civilians in Kashmir. Pakistan has denied any involvement.
In response to the Pahalgam attack, the Indian Armed Forces launched "Operation Sindoor" in the early hours of May 7, 2025, targeting what they described as terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian government stated that the strikes were focused, measured, and non-escalatory, with no Pakistani military facilities targeted. According to reports, nine sites were targeted in the operation. These sites were allegedly linked to various banned outfits, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen. Sources indicate that the operation involved 24 precision missile strikes.
The Indian action has evoked strong reactions from Pakistan. Islamabad condemned India's "cowardly action," accusing them of targeting the civilian population across the international border in Muridke and Bahawalpur, and across the Line of Control (LoC) in Kotli and Muzaffarabad. Pakistani officials reported that at least eight people were killed and more than 35 others injured in the Indian attacks. Pakistan's Minister of Defence stated that three civilians, including a child, were killed after India fired missiles at Pakistani territory. Pakistan's military also claimed to have retaliated by striking Indian military targets, including downing several warplanes.
Following "Operation Sindoor," Pakistan has reportedly resorted to firing and shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB). Three civilians have been reported killed in this firing. Houses and shops were damaged in Pakistan's mortar shelling in Poonch, Kupwara, and Baramulla districts. The Srinagar airport was temporarily closed for air traffic, and schools and colleges in districts close to the border or LoC were also closed in J&K.
The recent escalation has drawn international attention, with concerns raised about the potential for further conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
