Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated sharply following India's launch of "Operation Sindoor" early Wednesday morning. The operation involved precision missile strikes targeting what India claims were terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. According to Indian officials, the strikes were a response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22nd, in which 26 civilians were killed.
The Indian military stated that 24 missiles were launched, hitting nine terror targets, including strongholds of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. They asserted that the strikes were carefully targeted to avoid civilian or military facilities. Indian sources claim that over 70 terrorists were killed and 60 wounded, significantly degrading the operational capabilities of these groups. The Ministry of Defence confirmed the targeting of terrorist infrastructure used to plan and direct attacks against India.
Pakistan has vehemently condemned the strikes, calling them a "blatant act of war" and a violation of its sovereignty. Pakistani officials reported that the Indian missile attacks killed at least 26 people, including women and children, and wounded dozens more. They claimed that mosques and civilian populations were struck, and that infrastructure at a dam in Pakistan-administered Kashmir was damaged. Pakistan's military spokesperson, Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif, stated that the country's air force shot down five Indian jets in retaliation. However, there has been no immediate comment from India regarding this claim.
The situation remains highly volatile, with both sides exchanging fire across the Line of Control. India reported that at least 10 people were killed and more wounded in Indian-administered Kashmir due to Pakistani shelling. Pakistan has vowed a robust response, raising fears of further escalation.
Following the strikes, India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and the courage and determination of the armed forces. He stated that the operation was carried out with precision and care, hitting the intended targets. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also lauded the Indian Army for the operation.
Meanwhile, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has reportedly spoken with his counterparts in the US, UK, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Japan to brief them on the situation. The UK has expressed concerns and urged both countries to show restraint and engage in direct dialogue. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that he is closely monitoring the situation and hopes it will end quickly.
In India, a security drill was planned across 244 districts to prepare for potential hostile attacks. The drills include mock air raid alerts and instructions for residents to take shelter.
The international community is watching the situation with increasing concern, fearing a wider conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
