ISLAMABAD/NEW DELHI – Tensions between nuclear-armed rivals Pakistan and India flared dramatically on Saturday as Pakistan launched a large-scale military operation against Indian targets, escalating the most intense conflict between the two nations in nearly 30 years.
According to Pakistan’s military, the offensive targeted several key Indian military installations, including a BrahMos missile depot near Beas, the Pathankot Airfield in Punjab, and the Udhampur Air Force Station in Kashmir. The strikes came hours after Islamabad accused India of launching missile attacks on three Pakistani airbases—Nur Khan, Mureed, and Shorkot—with most reportedly intercepted.
The conflict, rooted in the decades-long Kashmir dispute, reignited Wednesday after India carried out airstrikes inside Pakistan, claiming to hit militant camps linked to a deadly assault on Hindu pilgrims in Kashmir. Pakistan denies involvement in that attack and vowed retaliation, culminating in today’s cross-border operation.
Pakistan’s military dubbed the campaign “Operation Bunyanun Marsoos,” a Quranic term signifying a strong, united front. Loud explosions echoed through India’s Jammu and Srinagar regions as sirens blared, according to Reuters reporters on the ground.
Meanwhile, Indian defense officials have not issued formal comments yet but are expected to brief the media shortly.
Friday’s clashes concentrated in Indian Kashmir and neighboring regions, with both sides reportedly deploying drones, missiles, and heavy shelling. Explosions were also heard in Lahore and Peshawar as the hostilities risk spreading further.
As of Saturday, at least 48 casualties have been reported, though independent verification remains unavailable.