Pakistan has described India’s recent airstrike as an “act of war,” asserting that its military responded by taking down five Indian fighter jets. The operation was aimed at at least nine locations that the Indian Ministry of Defense claims were involved in planning terrorist attacks against India. Pakistani officials reported that missiles struck six areas in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir and East Punjab, resulting in at least 26 fatalities, including women and children.
Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif stated, “Pakistan has every right to respond robustly to this act of war imposed by India,” as tensions escalate following an attack in April where 26 armed men targeted mainly Indian tourists in Kashmir. India has accused Pakistan of being behind the assault, alleging connections between the attackers and the extremist group Lashkar-e-Taiba.
The Indian military confirmed its strike on a “terrorist camp,” believed to be a hub for recruitment and weapon storage for Lashkar-e-Taiba and another group, Jaish-e-Mohammed. General Ahmed Sharif from the Pakistani military claimed that its forces successfully shot down five Indian jets in retaliation. Reports indicate that some aircraft crashed into villages in Indian-controlled areas, leading to intense exchanges of fire. Civilians were caught in the crossfire, with local sources confirming the deaths of at least seven people.
Fragments from one downed plane were found scattered around Uyan village near Srinagar, triggering statements from witnesses about seeing bright explosions in the sky. “There was a big fire in the sky, and then we heard some explosions,” recounted a resident.
In response to the situation, another aircraft fell in an open field in Barda Karan village, with residents describing a loud explosion and seeing a large fireball. Reports indicated that Indian soldiers retrieved two wounded pilots from the wreckage.
The Indian Defense Ministry characterized the operation, dubbed “Operation Sindoor,” as focused and measured, emphasizing that military facilities in Pakistan were not targeted. However, those on the ground reported significant destruction, including damage to the Bilal Mosque in Muzafarabad.
On the diplomatic front, Pakistan’s National Security Committee held a meeting, while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi postponed upcoming overseas trips, indicating the seriousness of the situation.
