On May 7, 2025, India initiated “Operation Sindoor,” a series of air and missile strikes targeting nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. These strikes were in direct response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, where 26 civilians, predominantly Hindu tourists, were killed. The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Pakistan-based group Lashkar-e-Taiba, initially claimed responsibility for the attack but later retracted the statement.
India asserted that the targeted sites were linked to terrorist organizations, including Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. The Indian government emphasized that the strikes were precise and aimed solely at dismantling terrorist infrastructure.
In retaliation, Pakistan reported that it had downed five Indian fighter jets and launched its own airstrikes, claiming to have targeted Indian military installations. Pakistan’s Defense Minister, Khawaja Asif, labeled India’s actions as an “act of war” and vowed a strong response.
The escalation has led to significant diplomatic fallout. India has suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, expelled Pakistani diplomats, and closed its borders to Pakistani nationals. Pakistan, in turn, has closed its airspace to Indian aircraft and suspended the Shimla Agreement.
International leaders, including those from the United States, China, and the United Nations, have expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions and have called for immediate de-escalation to prevent further conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
The situation remains volatile, with both nations on high alert and the international community closely monitoring developments.
Source: Reuters
