An Indian defense source, speaking to Reuters, revealed that the airstrikes specifically targeted the headquarters of militant organizations Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba.
The Indian Ministry of Defense asserted that the strikes were carried out with “remarkable restraint,” carefully selecting targets and minimizing collateral damage in the execution of the operation.
On the other hand, Pakistan claimed that Indian missiles had struck three key sites, and a military spokesperson maintained that five Indian aircraft were downed—a claim that India has yet to confirm or comment on.
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In a dramatic escalation, India and Pakistan, both armed with nuclear capabilities, exchanged heavy artillery and gunfire along their contested border in the Himalayan region of Kashmir, according to police sources and eyewitnesses who spoke to Reuters.
Since their first conflict in 1947, the two South Asian nations have fought multiple wars over the region of Kashmir, a Muslim-majority area claimed in full by both countries but controlled in parts.
Though a ceasefire was agreed upon in 2003, with both countries reaffirming their commitment in 2021, direct military strikes between the two powers have been a rare occurrence, particularly Indian attacks on Pakistani territories outside of the disputed Kashmir region. Nevertheless, experts suggest that the risk of further conflict has surged due to the scale of India’s recent offensive, which has been officially named “Operation Sindoor” by New Delhi.
U.S. President Donald Trump described the situation as “a shame” and expressed hope for a swift de-escalation. Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for the utmost restraint from both nations, with a spokesperson urging both sides to avoid further military actions.