In response to the Pahalgam massacre, India launches strategic airstrikes on militant hubs in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, triggering cross-border artillery and diplomatic uproar.
India’s newly launched military campaign, “Operation Sindoor,” has intensified geopolitical tensions in South Asia, with both India and Pakistan exchanging military and diplomatic fire after deadly airstrikes on alleged terror camps in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
According to the Times of India, the Indian Air Force carried out a swift 23-minute operation using Rafale fighter jets armed with SCALP missiles and precision-guided AASM Hammer bombs. The strikes reportedly destroyed nine major targets linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), including militant training centers and ammunition depots.
The air campaign was a direct response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 Indian Hindu pilgrims and injured dozens. India’s Ministry of Defence stated that “the strikes were precise and proportional, focused solely on neutralizing terror infrastructure.”
Casualties and Conflicting Claims
Pakistan, however, offered a different narrative. As reported by Geo News, the Pakistani military condemned the operation as “an act of unprovoked aggression” and claimed it had successfully shot down five Indian fighter jets. Pakistan also reported 26 civilian deaths, including women and children, and stated that 46 people were injured due to the airstrikes.
Independent verification of Pakistan’s claims remains unavailable. India has not acknowledged any aircraft losses, though some sources have confirmed minor damage to forward bases near the Line of Control (LoC).
Further reports from Dawn News indicated that Pakistan has closed parts of its airspace for 48 hours and declared a high alert across its military installations. In retaliation, Pakistan fired artillery shells across the LoC, resulting in three Indian civilian deaths in border villages of Jammu and Kashmir, as per Times of India.
India’s Claimed Successes
Meanwhile, India maintains that Operation Sindoor was a success. Citing defense sources, NDTV reported that approximately 70 militants were killed, including 10 family members and 4 close aides of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar.
Global Reaction
The international community has urged calm. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres appealed for “maximum restraint,” while U.S. President Donald Trump expressed concern, labeling the developments “deeply troubling” and calling for a diplomatic resolution between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
With the situation still evolving, both New Delhi and Islamabad have indicated readiness for further action, raising alarms globally about the potential for wider military escalation.
Editorial Notes:
- This report is compiled based on publicly available information from Indian and Pakistani news agencies including Times of India, Geo News, Dawn News, and NDTV.
- All claims related to military operations and casualties are attributed to the respective governments and have not been independently verified.
- Virginia Times continues to monitor developments closely and will update as new information emerges.
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