Pakistan has launched military operations targeting various sites across India, according to statements from its military officials. This escalation comes in response to what Pakistan describes as ongoing provocations from India, which allegedly included missile strikes on three air bases within Pakistan.
In a statement, Pakistan’s military reported that it utilized medium-range Fateh missiles to hit over 25 military locations in India, specifically in the states of Gujarat, Punjab, and Rajasthan, as well as areas in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian army has reacted, claiming to have engaged and destroyed some of Pakistan’s drone strikes and other munitions using their air defenses.
Footage shared by Pakistan’s military on social media showed missiles being launched from mobile platforms. Reports from the region indicate that loud explosions were heard in cities like Srinagar and Jammu, with Indian police confirming that five people were killed in the Jammu area due to the attacks.
This conflict marks a significant escalation between the two nuclear-armed nations, which have a long history of tensions. The situation intensified following a deadly attack last month in India-administered Kashmir, where 26 civilians, primarily Hindu tourists, lost their lives. India has accused Pakistan of supporting the attackers, a claim that Pakistan denies.
In light of the growing tensions, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened a meeting of the National Command Authority, which oversees the country’s security policies, including nuclear matters. Meanwhile, military spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry stated that India had launched air-to-surface missiles targeting several key air bases in Pakistan, although he claimed that most of these missiles were intercepted.
Despite the ongoing military actions, the Pakistan Armed Forces expressed a desire for de-escalation, urging India to pursue diplomatic dialogue. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also reached out to Pakistan’s Army Chief, advocating for both countries to find ways to ease tensions and engage in constructive talks.
Recent days have seen both nations conducting missile and drone strikes, with each side questioning the other’s claims about the scale and impact of these actions. India reported that it had conducted airstrikes on multiple sites within Pakistan and claimed to have shot down several Pakistani drones. In contrast, Pakistan denied these claims and accused India of exaggerating the situation.
The G7 nations have called for restraint from both sides, encouraging direct dialogue to achieve a peaceful resolution. As the situation continues to develop, many are watching closely to see if diplomatic efforts will lead to a reduction in hostilities.