New Delhi, India — Tensions escalated early Wednesday as India launched a military operation targeting what it described as “terrorist infrastructure” in both Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. This move follows a deadly attack last month in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 25 Indians and one Nepali tourist, prompting Indian authorities to take decisive action.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Defense, officials emphasized that the strikes were aimed solely at combatting terrorism without provoking further conflict. “Our operations have been deliberate and restrained,” the Ministry asserted, noting that no Pakistani military installations were involved in the strikes. The attack reportedly focused on a total of nine sites.
Witnesses in Pakistan-administered Kashmir reported hearing multiple explosions, indicative of the intense operation taking place. The Pakistani military confirmed that Indian forces used missiles during the strikes. Military spokesperson Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry stated that Pakistan is prepared to respond to the attacks “at a time and place of its own choosing,” suggesting that the situation remains volatile.
According to military sources in Pakistan, five specific locations were hit during the operation, including Kotli, Ahmadpur East, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, and Muridke. Notably, Kotli, Muzaffarabad, and Bagh are situated within territories administered by Pakistan, while Ahmadpur East and Muridke are located in Punjab province.
Indian officials have characterized their military actions as necessary to thwart future threats, highlighting a commitment to maintaining security for their citizens. Meanwhile, the Pakistani government condemned the strikes, framing them as aggressive provocations that could exacerbate regional instability.
As concerns continue to rise over the potential for further military conflict, both nations face the challenge of balancing national security measures with the imperative of diplomatic dialogue. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, wary of the implications of this escalation.
The situation is developing, and further updates are expected as both sides navigate this tense chapter in their long-standing rivalry.