Army escalation between India, Pakistan

(MENAFN) India has launched a series of military strikes on targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir in retaliation for a deadly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir two weeks ago, according to the Indian Defense Ministry. The operation, dubbed Operation Sindoor, targeted nine suspected terrorist camps and was described by Indian officials as “focused, measured, and non-escalatory.” They emphasized that Pakistani military and civilian infrastructure were not the intended targets.

Islamabad has sharply condemned the strikes, labeling them “unprovoked aggression.” Pakistan’s military claimed the Indian strikes killed at least 26 civilians and wounded 46 others, including damage to civilian sites such as a mosque. In response, Pakistan began shelling areas in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, reportedly killing 15 civilians and injuring 43.

Pakistan’s National Security Committee, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, declared that the country “reserves the right to respond” in any manner it sees fit, giving the military full discretion to retaliate. Meanwhile, Indian officials stated that any Pakistani response would be met with a counterstrike, signaling the potential for further escalation.

On the international stage, Russia called on both nations to de-escalate tensions and resolve the situation through diplomatic channels, while reaffirming its condemnation of terrorism. Similarly, Iran, Bangladesh, and the UK expressed concern and urged restraint from both sides.

The immediate cause of the conflict was a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, that killed 26 tourists. India blamed the Pakistan-linked group The Resistance Front, allegedly affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba. Indian investigators claimed to have uncovered evidence connecting the attackers to support networks and communication channels operating from Pakistan.

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