Tensions between nuclear-armed neighbors India and Pakistan escalated sharply on Wednesday after Indian forces launched strikes on multiple targets across Pakistan and Pakistani-administered Kashmir. Islamabad responded by claiming it had downed five Indian fighter jets—marking the most severe military clash between the two countries in over 20 years.
India said it hit nine locations, including camps allegedly linked to the April killing of 26 Hindu tourists by Islamist militants in Indian Kashmir. A senior Indian defense source identified the targets as bases of Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. Pakistan, however, stated six civilian sites were struck and eight people killed, denying any militant presence.
“India has shown restraint in choosing its targets,” India’s defense ministry stated. Meanwhile, Pakistan called the attacks a “blatant act of war,” vowing to defend its sovereignty.
Across the Kashmir border, both nations exchanged heavy shelling. Three Indian jets reportedly crashed in Indian Kashmir, with all pilots hospitalized, though the Indian government has not confirmed these incidents.
Pakistan reported civilian deaths, including women and children, and widespread damage in Muzaffarabad. Schools were shut and an emergency declared in several regions, including Islamabad and Punjab province.
India dubbed the campaign “Operation Sindoor”—named after the traditional red vermilion used by Hindu women. In the aftermath, Indian army officials posted: “Justice is served.”
Global leaders have called for calm. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged maximum restraint, while U.S. President Donald Trump called the situation “a shame” and hoped for a swift end.
Airspace closures disrupted commercial flights across both countries. Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval held briefings with allies including the U.S., UK, Russia, and Gulf nations.
Analysts warn of further escalation. “This is far bigger than the 2019 strike. All eyes now turn to what India or Pakistan does next,” said Michael Kugelman of Foreign Policy.