NEW DELHI / ISLAMABAD — India carried out overnight missile strikes into Pakistan on Tuesday, targeting what it described as “terrorist infrastructure” in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir. The move has escalated already tense relations between the two countries, with Pakistan declaring the strikes an “act of war.”
Operation Sindoor: Nine Sites Targeted, India Says
The Indian Defense Ministry dubbed the coordinated attacks “Operation Sindoor.” According to officials, the strikes were “focused, measured, and non-escalatory,” with a specific aim to avoid Pakistani military installations. Instead, the operation targeted nine locations allegedly linked to militant activity.
Pakistan Reports Civilian Casualties, Condemns Action
Contrary to India’s characterization, Pakistan’s military claims six locations were hit, including Kotli, Muzaffarabad, and Bahawalpur. The Pakistani army reported at least eight people killed—among them a 3-year-old child—and 35 others injured. Authorities allege that civilian buildings, not militant outposts, were struck.
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Pakistan Promises Forceful Response
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued a strong condemnation, calling the strikes an act of war.
“Pakistan has every right to respond forcefully to this act of war imposed by India, and a forceful response is being given,” he stated. The Pakistani military confirmed it has begun retaliatory operations from both “air and ground.”
India Cites April Terror Attack as Motivation
India’s missile operation comes weeks after the Pahalgam incident in April, a deadly militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that left 26 people dead. Indian officials have directly blamed Pakistan for harboring and supporting those responsible.
Following the missile strikes, the Indian army issued a brief statement:
“Justice is served.”
Pre-Warning and Escalating Rhetoric
In late April, Pakistan had publicly warned of credible intelligence suggesting India was preparing military action. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar had stated that Pakistan was on high alert and ready to respond to any aggression.
U.S. Responds Cautiously
U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the escalating situation from the Oval Office on Tuesday.
“Just heard about it,” he told reporters. “I guess people knew something was going to happen based on a little bit of the past. They’ve been fighting for a long time. I just hope it ends very quickly.”
Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department released a statement confirming it is “closely monitoring developments” but offered no official assessment. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other officials are reportedly in communication with both sides in an attempt to prevent further retaliation.
Global Concern Grows
The international community is watching the situation closely, with fears mounting over potential escalation between two nuclear-armed neighbors. The long-standing Kashmir dispute has once again become a flashpoint for regional instability.
