Operation Sindoor: A Night of Escalation—India's Missile Strikes Across Pakistan
In the early hours of May 7, 2025, tensions between India and Pakistan reached a critical juncture as India launched "Operation Sindoor," a series of missile strikes targeting multiple locations within Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The Indian government stated that these precision strikes aimed to dismantle terrorist infrastructure linked to groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, in retaliation for the recent Pahalgam attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 27 Indian and one Nepali civilians.
Targeted Strikes and Immediate Aftermath
The Indian Air Force executed missile strikes on nine locations, including Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Bahawalpur, Muridke, Sialkot, and Bhimber. Notably, in Bahawalpur, missile impacts were reported in residential areas, leading to civilian casualties and significant infrastructural damage. In Muzaffarabad, the Bilal Mosque sustained damage, raising concerns over the targeting of civilian and religious sites.
Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed the attacks, stating that at least 26 civilians, including women and children, were killed, and 46 others injured across the affected regions . The Pakistani government condemned the strikes as an unprovoked act of aggression, labeling them a blatant violation of its sovereignty.
Pakistan's Response
In retaliation, the Pakistan Army reported the downing of multiple Indian aircraft, including three Rafale jets, one Su-30, and one MiG-29, along with a drone. Additionally, Pakistan claimed the destruction of an Indian brigade headquarters and a military checkpost . These developments have escalated the conflict, with both nations exchanging artillery fire across the Line of Control.
International Reactions and Concerns
The international community has expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged both nations to exercise maximum restraint and engage in dialogue to prevent further escalation . Similarly, the United States and China have called for de-escalation, emphasizing the need for diplomatic solutions to avoid a broader regional conflict.
Current Status and Outlook
As of now, the situation remains volatile, with both India and Pakistan on high alert. Airspace restrictions have been imposed, and military deployments have increased along the border regions. The potential for further escalation looms, underscoring the urgent need for diplomatic intervention to restore stability and prevent a full-scale conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
Note: Due to the sensitive nature of the content and ongoing developments, images related to the events have been omitted. For visual coverage, please refer to reputable news outlets and official government releases.
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