Pakistan says it has struck military targets inside India in series of new attacks
Context:
India launched missile strikes on three Pakistani air force bases, marking an escalation in tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations. The strikes were a response to a mass shooting in Kashmir that India attributed to Pakistan, though Pakistan denies involvement. Most of the missiles were intercepted, and some landed in Afghanistan and India's Punjab region. The Pakistani military claimed to have shot down five Indian fighter jets in retaliation, and tensions have been exacerbated by previous drone incidents. The situation remains volatile as both countries continue to accuse each other of provocations, with international entities like the Trump administration attempting to mediate the conflict.
Dive Deeper:
India fired missiles at three air bases in Pakistan, targeting Nur Khan air base in Rawalpindi, Murid air base in Chakwal, and Rafiqui air base in Jhang. Pakistani military officials reported that most of these missiles were intercepted.
The missile strikes followed a mass shooting in India-controlled Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people, primarily Hindu tourists. India has accused Pakistan of being behind the attack, an allegation that Pakistan denies.
In a televised address, Pakistani army spokesman Lt. Gen. Ahmad Sharif assured that the country's air force assets remained safe despite the strikes. He also noted that some of the Indian missiles had landed in the Indian Punjab region.
The missile attack is part of a series of escalating military actions between the two countries, including Pakistan's downing of over two dozen Indian drones earlier in the week.
The international community, including figures like former President Trump, has expressed concern over the growing tensions, with offers to assist in defusing the situation.
The Pakistani military retaliated by claiming to have shot down five Indian fighter jets, further straining the already fraught relations between the two nations.
As tensions continue to rise, both countries remain on high alert, with the potential for further military engagement looming large, drawing concern from global observers.