India and Pakistan Clash in Major Escalation Following Kashmir Attack

A dramatic escalation in hostilities between India and Pakistan has erupted over the past 12 hours, marking the most dangerous flare-up between the two nuclear-armed nations in recent memory. The renewed violence follows a deadly terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir and has triggered military responses on both sides of the volatile border.

The crisis began after India launched “Operation Sindoor,” targeting what it described as militant camps in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. This action came in retaliation for an April 22 terror bombing in Pahalgam, which killed 26 civilians. New Delhi has attributed the attack to Pakistan-based extremist groups, although Islamabad has denied any involvement.

In response to India’s cross-border strikes, Pakistan initiated a counteroffensive early Saturday morning, dubbed “Operation Bunyan al-Marsus.” Pakistani forces launched a coordinated series of missile and drone attacks against Indian military targets, including key airfields in Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir. Several BrahMos missile depots were also reported as targets.

The Indian Air Force claimed success in intercepting many of the incoming threats, utilizing its advanced S-400 missile defense system. Multiple drones and missiles were shot down over Amritsar and Jammu, with Indian military officials emphasizing their readiness to protect national infrastructure.

Civilian casualties have been reported on both sides of the Line of Control. Pakistan’s authorities claim that at least 33 people were killed in Indian airstrikes, while Indian officials reported deaths and injuries resulting from Pakistani drone and artillery fire in northern border villages.

In the wake of the violence, Pakistan closed its airspace temporarily, and India issued high alert warnings across several northern states. Red alerts were declared in Jammu, Punjab, and Rajasthan. Blackouts and air raid sirens were activated in key urban areas, including Amritsar and Srinagar.

The situation has caused alarm across the international community. The United States, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Nations have all issued statements urging restraint and calling for immediate diplomatic dialogue. White House officials confirmed they are in direct communication with both governments, warning that further escalation could destabilize the entire South Asian region.

Despite the intensity of the airstrikes, neither nation has officially declared war or initiated full-scale ground operations. However, continuous artillery fire has been reported along the Line of Control, and military movements have been observed near key frontier outposts.

The international community watches with concern as the region teeters on the brink of broader conflict. As of now, high-level emergency meetings are taking place in both capitals, with efforts underway to de-escalate the situation before it spirals further out of control.