Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated dramatically, with India reportedly striking eight military sites across the border in response to Pakistan's targeting of Udhampur, Pathankot, and Bathinda. This recent exchange of fire marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, raising concerns about regional peace and security.
According to reports, Pakistan has been consistently targeting India's western borders using various methods, including drones, long-range weapons, loitering munitions, and fighter jets. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi stated that Pakistan attempted to infiltrate Indian airspace at over 26 locations, causing damage to equipment and personnel at air force bases in Udhampur, Bhuj, Pathankot, and Bathinda. High-speed missiles were also reportedly used to target an airbase in Punjab. Furthermore, Pakistan has been accused of attacking health facilities and schools.
In response to these attacks, India launched precision airstrikes against Pakistani military targets, including command centers, radar installations, and technical infrastructure. The strikes targeted military facilities in Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, and Rahim Yar Khan, as well as radar sites at Pasrur and Sialkot aviation bases. The Indian military described the strikes as "focused, measured, and non-escalatory," with the aim of targeting only terrorist facilities.
The recent escalation follows India's "Operation Sindoor," which was launched in retaliation for a terror attack in Pahalgam that resulted in the deaths of 26 people. Operation Sindoor involved strikes on nine key terrorist infrastructures linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
The situation remains tense, with reports of continued firing and shelling along the Line of Control (LoC). Pakistan has also been accused of targeting places of worship and residential areas in Jammu. Multiple armed drones have been sent across the border, endangering civilians and religious sites.
Amidst the rising tensions, there have been reports of airspace closures and blackouts in several border towns and districts. The Airports Authority of India has extended the temporary closure of several Air Traffic Service (ATS) routes.
The international community has expressed concern over the escalating conflict, with the United States urging both sides to avoid further escalation. The US Vice President stated that the conflict was "none of our business" while still calling for de-escalation.
Both India and Pakistan have accused each other of violating ceasefire agreements and engaging in provocative actions. India has maintained that its actions have been a responsible and measured response to Pakistan's provocations. Pakistan, on the other hand, has accused India of committing an "act of war".
The current situation is reminiscent of the 2019 escalation following the Pulwama attack, which also led to airstrikes and heightened tensions between the two countries. The long-standing dispute over Kashmir remains a key factor in the ongoing conflict, with both sides accusing each other of supporting militant groups and engaging in cross-border terrorism.
