On May 6, 2025, India launched a series of missile and air strikes against targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, in an operation named Operation Sindoor. This action was a direct response to a terrorist attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, where 26 Hindu tourists were killed. The attack was claimed by the Resistance Front, an offshoot of the Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba.
India’s Justification
India stated that the strikes targeted terrorist infrastructure associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, both of which are designated as terrorist organizations by the United Nations. The Indian government emphasized that no Pakistani military facilities were targeted and described the operation as “focused, measured, and non-escalatory.” The strikes reportedly hit nine locations, including Bahawalpur, Muridke, and Muzaffarabad, areas known to host militant group facilities.
Pakistan’s Response
Pakistan condemned the strikes as an unprovoked act of aggression and labeled them a “cowardly attack” on civilians. According to Pakistani authorities, the attacks resulted in the deaths of at least 31 civilians, including children, and injured more than 46 others. Notably, a mosque in Bahawalpur was struck, leading to multiple casualties. Pakistan also claimed to have shot down several Indian fighter jets during the incident, a claim that India has not confirmed.
Escalation and International Concern
Following the strikes, there was an exchange of heavy artillery fire along the Line of Control (LoC), leading to additional civilian casualties on both sides. The situation has raised international concern, with calls for restraint from global powers including the United States, China, and the United Nations. The escalation marks one of the most severe confrontations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors since the 2019 Pulwama-Balakot crisis.
The ongoing tensions underscore the fragile security situation in the region and the potential for rapid escalation between India and Pakistan.
