In the most intense conflict between the nuclear-armed adversaries in almost 20 years, India launched an attack on Pakistan and Pakistani Kashmir on Wednesday. Pakistan claimed to have shot down five Indian fighter jets.
India claimed to have hit nine “terrorist infrastructure” locations in Pakistan, some of which were connected to the 26-person Islamist militant attack on Hindu tourists in Indian Kashmir last month. Islamabad reported that eight individuals were killed in six targeted places in Pakistan.
“India has demonstrated considerable restraint in the selection of targets and the method of execution,” the Indian defence ministry said in a statement.
India has not verified Pakistan’s claims that Indian missiles struck three locations and that five Indian planes were shot down, according to a military spokesperson who spoke to Reuters.
“All of these engagements have been done as a defensive measure,” military spokesperson Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said. “Pakistan remains a very responsible state. However, we will take all the steps necessary for defending the honour, integrity and sovereignty of Pakistan, at all costs.”
The attack was referred to as a “blatant act of war” by Islamabad, which also stated that it had notified the U.N. Security Council that Pakistan retained the right to react suitably to Indian aggression.
Targeted attacks between neighbours are incredibly uncommon since a 2003 truce, to which both nations recommitted in 2021. This is especially true of Indian strikes on Pakistani territory outside of Pakistani Kashmir.
However, experts noted that because of the intensity of India’s attack, which New Delhi dubbed “Operation Sindoor,” there is a greater chance of escalation than there has been recently. Donald Trump, the president of the United States, described the situation as “a shame” and said, “I hope it ends quickly.” According to a spokesperson, U.N.
Eight individuals were killed, 35 were injured, and two were reported missing in the Indian attacks, according to a Pakistani military spokeswoman.
According to the Indian army, three civilians were killed when the Pakistani army shelled the Kashmiri border. Videos showing fires, explosions, massive smoke plumes in the night sky, and people escaping in various locations throughout Pakistan and Pakistani Kashmir were broadcast on Indian television networks. Reuters was unable to independently confirm the video.
Shehbaz Sharif, the prime minister of Pakistan, stated that Islamabad was reacting to the Indian attacks, although he gave no specifics. Hospitals and emergency services were on high alert when the chief minister of Punjab, a populated province in Pakistan, declared an emergency.
In a post on X on Wednesday following India’s strikes, the Indian army stated: “Justice is served.”