NEW DELHI/ISLAMABAD India has launched coordinated missile strikes on nine targets in Pakistan and Pakistani-administered Kashmir, in what it claims is retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 28 civilians last week. The cross-border operation, dubbed “Operation Sindoor,” marks a dangerous escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
Indian defense officials said the strikes targeted “terrorist infrastructure” believed to be responsible for planning and executing the Pahalgam assault. However, Pakistani authorities report that at least three civilians were killed and 12 others injured in the attacks. The Pakistani military claims to have shot down two Indian fighter jets, while India reported downing one Pakistani aircraft in return.
Tensions have soared following the operation, with Pakistan vowing “full-spectrum retaliation.” The Pakistani government has placed its military on high alert and summoned India’s ambassador for formal condemnation. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif accused India of violating international law and urged global leaders to intervene.
Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi defended the strikes as “a necessary and proportionate response to terrorism.” In a nationally televised address, Modi stated, “India will not remain silent when its citizens are slaughtered by cross-border extremism.”
The United Nations, the United States, and the European Union have all called for de-escalation. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged both countries to exercise “maximum restraint” and reopen diplomatic channels. A special Security Council meeting is reportedly under consideration.
Kashmir, a long-disputed region between India and Pakistan, has once again become the flashpoint for potential conflict. Analysts warn that without immediate diplomatic engagement, the risk of a broader military confrontation is high.
As of today, both sides remain on war footing. Flights have been canceled near the Line of Control, and troop movements are increasing on both borders. International observers have been denied access to the affected zones.
