On Wednesday, India conducted strikes on nine terrorist camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, responding to deadly attacks in Pahargam, Jammu and Kashmir, from the previous month. Pakistan reported that at least eight individuals died due to the missile strikes, which escalated tensions between the two nuclear-armed countries. Furthermore, the Indian Army stated that three civilians were killed as a result of artillery fire from Pakistani troops along the border.
The Ministry of Defense released a statement claiming that this “precision” strike was aimed at a “terrorist camp” and emphasized the commitment to holding those responsible for the attack accountable.
United States of America: US President Donald Trump expressed his regret regarding the escalating situation between India and Pakistan, hoping for a swift resolution. He commented to reporters at the White House, “That’s a shame, we just heard about it. I think people knew something was going to happen based on a bit of the past. They’ve been fighting for a long time.”
Trump added, “I hope it finishes very quickly.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on X that he is monitoring the situation closely and affirmed that Washington intends to encourage both nuclear-armed nations toward a “peaceful resolution.”
The Indian Embassy in Washington disclosed that India’s national security adviser, Ajit Doval, spoke with Rubio to clarify India’s military actions.
China: China expressed concern over India’s airstrikes on Pakistan, urging both nations to exercise restraint due to the heightened tensions between these nuclear rivals. A spokesperson from Beijing’s Foreign Ministry called for peace and stability, advising against actions that would complicate the situation further.
Israel: Israel endorsed India’s right to self-defense following the missile strikes on Pakistan. India’s ambassador to Israel, Sid Israel, affirmed support for India’s actions, noting that “terrorists should know that there is no place to hide from heinous crimes against innocent people.”
United Nations: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed significant concern over India’s military operations in Kashmir, managed by Pakistan. His spokesperson indicated that Guterres is advocating for de-escalation from both countries, stressing that the world cannot afford a military conflict between them.
UAE: The United Arab Emirates called on India and Pakistan to maintain control, de-escalate tensions, and avoid further actions that could endanger regional and international peace. The statement emphasized that diplomacy and dialogue remain the most effective approaches to achieve peace, stability, and prosperity for all nations involved.
India’s strike against Pakistan
The Indian forces targeted facilities linked to the banned groups Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Jammu and Kashmir. Among the locations hit were the Gem HQ in Bahawalpur and another site in Malidke, Pakistan Punjab.
A spokesperson for the Pakistani military confirmed the strikes on Bahawalpur and Malidke. India asserts that its military actions are focused and measured, ensuring that Pakistan’s military infrastructure remains untouched. This operation follows a deadly terrorist attack in Pahargam on April 22, which took the lives of 26 people.
