May 6, 2025 | New Delhi/Islamabad — In a significant escalation of hostilities, India has initiated “Operation Sindoor,” a series of airstrikes targeting nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir. The operation is a direct response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, primarily Hindu tourists. The attack was claimed by The Resistance Front, a group linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba.
🎯 Operation Details
According to India’s Ministry of Defence, the strikes were aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure responsible for orchestrating cross-border attacks. The targeted sites are believed to be associated with militant groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. India emphasized that the operation was “focused, measured, and non-escalatory,” deliberately avoiding Pakistani military installations to prevent further escalation.
The strikes reportedly hit areas including Muzaffarabad and Kotli in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, as well as Bahawalpur and Muridke in Pakistan’s Punjab province.
🕊️ Casualties and Damage
Pakistani officials report that the airstrikes resulted in at least three civilian deaths, including a child, and injured twelve others. A mosque in Bahawalpur was among the structures hit.
In response, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attacks as an “act of war” and vowed a forceful retaliation at a time of its choosing. The Pakistan Air Force claims to have shot down two Indian jets, though this has not been independently verified.
🌍 International Reactions
The international community has expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations. Calls for restraint and dialogue have been issued by various global leaders to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
🔄 Ongoing Developments
The situation remains fluid, with both nations on high alert. Further military engagements have been reported along the Line of Control, and diplomatic channels are being tested as the world watches closely.