Tensions between Pakistan and India have escalated dramatically following accusations of missile attacks and cross-border strikes, raising concerns about regional stability. Pakistan has vehemently condemned India's actions and threatened retaliation, vowing to respond at a time and place of its choosing.
The recent surge in hostilities can be traced back to a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22, where gunmen killed 26 people, mostly Indian Hindu tourists. India has blamed Pakistan for backing the attack, a charge Islamabad vehemently denies. In response to the Pahalgam attack, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi granted the military full operational freedom to retaliate.
On Wednesday, India launched what it called "Operation Sindoor," firing missiles at multiple sites in Pakistan. India claimed the targets were "terrorist infrastructure" used by militants planning attacks against India. Pakistan's leader condemned the missile strikes as an "act of war". Pakistan claims it shot down several Indian fighter jets in retaliation, as two planes fell onto villages in Indian-administered Kashmir. One fell in northern Punjab state. At least seven civilians were also killed in the region by Pakistani shelling, Indian police and medics said.
Pakistan's military reported that Indian forces targeted three airbases with air-to-surface missiles, but claimed that "all assets" were safe. Witnesses reported blasts in Amritsar, a city in the Indian state of Punjab, near the Pakistani border. Pakistan's information minister stated that their response had been defensive, while the military accused India of launching attack drones into Pakistan, resulting in civilian casualties.
India maintains that its strikes have been targeted, measured, and non-escalatory, aimed at preventing terrorist attacks. The Indian Defense Ministry stated that no Pakistani military facilities were targeted and that India has demonstrated considerable restraint. However, Pakistan views the missile strikes as a grave act of aggression and has pledged a strong response.
Amidst the escalating tensions, air raid sirens were activated in various locations across India, and security exercises were conducted. India's air defense systems, including anti-aircraft guns, surface-to-air missiles, and counter-UAS grids, have been actively intercepting missiles and drones. The Indian Air Force has used a combination of air defenses and Israeli-made HARPY drones.
The international community has expressed concern over the rising tensions and has urged both sides to de-escalate. However, with both countries adopting hawkish stances, the prospects for de-escalation appear uncertain. Experts suggest that the next phase of escalation could involve targeting military bases, raising the risk of a full-blown conflict.
The situation remains highly volatile, with the potential for further escalation. The coming days will be critical in determining whether both sides can find a way to step back from the brink and prevent a dangerous conflict.
