India on Wednesday launched airstrikes targeting what it described as terror launchpads inside Pakistan, marking the most direct military confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors in six years. The operation was carried out in response to a deadly April 22 militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that left 26 civilians dead.
According to the Indian military, nine sites “from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed” were hit. Officials emphasized that no Pakistani military assets were targeted, framing the strikes as “measured and non-escalatory.”
Pakistan, however, strongly condemned the action. Authorities said the Indian strikes killed three civilians—including a child—and injured at least 12 others. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif accused India of “shamelessly attacking” civilian areas and warned of retaliation. “If they come face-to-face with us, we will settle the score,” he said.
The Indian government has denied striking any civilian or military facilities, insisting the targets were solely terror camps. Indian officials said the operation was carefully calibrated to avoid escalation, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called it “an act of war” and vowed a “befitting reply.”
Pakistani officials said five locations were hit—Ahmedpur East and Muridke in Punjab province, and three sites in Pakistan-administered Kashmir: Kotli, Bagh, and Muzaffarabad.
This spike in hostilities follows the deadliest cross-border attack in recent years. India blames Pakistan-backed militants for the assault on tourists in Kashmir, though Islamabad denies involvement and has requested an international investigation.
The current crisis echoes events from 2019, when a similar attack in Kashmir led to retaliatory strikes by India and a brief air skirmish. A ceasefire brokered in 2021 had held until now.
Diplomatic channels remain active. Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval briefed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the strikes, and Indian officials maintain that Pakistan alone must choose whether to escalate further. The U.S. has urged both nations to step back from the brink, warning of the risks inherent in any military confrontation between nuclear states.
“Even a limited conflict carries grave risks,” said Michael Kugelman, a South Asia expert. “The potential for miscalculation is high.”
