On May 6, 2025, India launched a series of missile strikes into Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir under the codename Operation Sindoor. The operation targeted what India described as "terrorist infrastructure" linked to the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, predominantly Hindu tourists. India attributed the attack to Pakistan-based militant groups, a claim that Islamabad has denied.AP News+10Reuters+10Wikipedia+10The Guardian+8Wikipedia+8Wikipedia+8
Details of the Strikes
According to Indian officials, the strikes targeted nine locations, including areas in Muzaffarabad and Kotli in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, as well as Bahawalpur and Muridke in Pakistan's Punjab province. India emphasized that the operation was "focused, measured, and non-escalatory," asserting that no Pakistani military facilities were targeted. The Indian Army stated on social media, "Justice is served," following the strikes. Business Recorder+2Wikipedia+2The Guardian+2AP News+3Reuters+3Wikipedia+3The Guardian+3AP News+3Reuters+3
Casualties and Damage
Pakistani officials reported that the missile strikes resulted in at least three civilian deaths, including a child, and injured 12 others. Two mosques were among the structures hit, and power outages were reported in Muzaffarabad. AP News+5AP News+5The Guardian+5Latest news & breaking headlines+3Reuters+3Wikipedia+3
Pakistan's Response
Pakistan condemned the strikes as a "cowardly attack" on civilians and vowed to retaliate at a time and place of its choosing. The Pakistani military stated that its air force was on alert, which prevented Indian aircraft from entering Pakistani airspace during the operation. Wikipedia+3Wikipedia+3The Guardian+3Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2Latest news & breaking headlines+2
Escalation of Tensions
The missile strikes mark a significant escalation in tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Following the Pahalgam attack, India had expelled Pakistani diplomats, suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, and closed its borders to Pakistani nationals. Pakistan responded by suspending the Simla Agreement, closing its airspace and trade routes to India, and expelling Indian diplomats. Wikipedia+4thesun.co.uk+4Reuters+4Indian Defence Research Wing+7Wikipedia+7Wikipedia+7
Both countries have engaged in military posturing, with Pakistan conducting ballistic missile tests and India initiating nationwide preparedness drills. The international community has expressed concern over the escalating situation, urging both sides to exercise restraint. Latest news & breaking headlines+1Wikipedia+1
The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further escalation. Observers are closely monitoring developments in the region.
