India launched missiles at several locations early on Wednesday at several locations, killing at least 26 people, including children, in what Pakistani leaders called it an act of war.
India said it struck the infrastructure used by extremists in connection with last month’s tourist genocide in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir.
In a statement, the Indian military said at least three civilians were also killed in Kashmir, which controlled Kashmir by Pakistani artillery fire.
Tensions have risen among nuclear-armed neighbors since the attack. Islamabad denied the charges.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif condemned the airstrikes on Wednesday, saying that “a fraudulent enemy has launched a coronavirus attack” and that his country will retaliate.
“Pakistan has every right to respond robustly to this act of war imposed by India and has indeed been given a strong response,” Sharif said.
The National Security Committee is meeting Wednesday morning.
Exchanges pose a threat of war
South Asian analyst Michael Kugelmann said it was the highest-intensity strike from India in 2019, and Pakistan’s response was “certainly packing punches.”
“These are two powerful forces that are not afraid of nuclear weapons deploying a considerable level of traditional military force against each other, even as deterrents,” Kugelman said. “The risk of escalation is real. And they can increase significantly and can increase quickly.”
UN spokesman Stephen Dujaric said in a statement that Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for maximum restraint as Secretary-General Antonio Guterres failed to “stoke military conflict” between India and Pakistan.
Indian politicians from various parties praised the strike. “Victory over Mother India,” Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh wrote in X.
India’s major opposition parliamentary parties called for the unity of the people, saying it is “very proud” of the country’s military. “We praise their determined resolve and courage,” said Congressional Party President Marikaljun Kalge.
Indian military said the operation was named “Sindoor.” This is a bright red Vermillion powder Hindi worn by a married woman on her forehead and hair, and refers to a wife who saw her husband being killed in front of them.
Panic and destruction scene
The missiles collided with six locations in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir and the country’s East Punjab, killing at least 26 people, including women and children, said Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif, a spokesman for the Pakistan military.
Officials said another 38 people were injured on the strike, and five others were killed in Pakistan when fired across the border later that day.
Sharif said the Indian Jets have also damaged infrastructure in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir dams, calling it a violation of international norms.
India’s Ministry of Defense said the strike targeted at least nine sites. “A terrorist attack on India is planned.”
“Our actions are essentially focused, measured and non-escalator. Pakistan’s military facilities are not targeted,” the statement said, adding that “India has shown considerable restraint in the selection of targets and the choice of execution methods.”
The Army said the operation was named “Sindoor.” Hindi refers to a bright red Vermillion powder worn by a married woman on her forehead and hair, a woman who saw her husband being killed in front of them.
In Muzaffarabad, a major city in Pakistan, Kashmir resident Abdul Sammad said he heard several explosions when the explosion destroyed the house and saw people running in panic. Authorities quickly cut electricity, leading to power outages.
Army soldiers are protected by mosque buildings damaged on May 7, 2025 after suspected missile attacks in India near Muzafarabad, the capital of Pakistan-controlled Kashmir.
Locals then suffered damage to their homes in the aftermath of missile attacks, tile rubs and other debris shattered at their feet.
People were evacuated to streets and open areas for fear of what would happen. “We were worried that the next missile would strike our home,” Mohammad Ashraf said.
Pakistan-controlled Kashmir authorities have declared a state of emergency at hospitals in the region.
Pakistan has closed schools in Kashmir and Punjab after missiles attacked. In anticipation of an attack by India, the seminaries had previously been closed in Kashmir.
India was hit by artillery fire when the plane fell on a school building
There was a severe exchange of fires between the two armies along the line of control that divides Kashmir’s conflict zone between India and Pakistan.
Indian forces say three civilians were killed when Pakistani forces “relied on arbitrary terminations” including gunfights and artillery fire. It said, “Respond in proportion.”
Shortly after the Indian strike, the aircraft fell into two villages in Kashmir, managed by India.
Citing the security guard, state-run Pakistani television said the country’s air forces shot down five Indian jets in retaliation but did not provide additional details. There were no immediate comments from India regarding Pakistan’s claims. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry says the Indian troops have launched a strike from within India’s airspace.
Srinagar police and residents said fragments of plane parts were scattered across the outskirts of major cities in the area, including schools and mosque sites.
“There was a huge fire in the sky, and then we heard some explosions,” said Mohammed Yousaf Dah, a resident of South Uyan village in the Pampoa region where the incident occurred.
Firefighters struggled to set fires for hours.
Another aircraft fell into an open field in the village of Barda Karan near the town of South Aknorr, near the Indian-controlled Kashmir control line shortly after the strike.
Village resident Sachin Kumar told The Associated Press that a massive fire ball was heard following the massive explosion.
Kumar said he and several other villagers rushed to the scene and found two injured pilots. Both were later taken away by the Indian troops.
Indian Air Force soldiers will arrive at Pampoa in Pulwama district, Kashmir, managed by Indians on May 7, 2025 (AP Photo/dar yasin)
The flight was confused
According to Taiwan’s airport authorities, 10 flights between Taiwan and Europe have been confused or cancelled due to the battle.
Pakistan said the Indian strike poses a major threat to commercial air traffic.
Meanwhile, Indian-controlled Kashmir authorities have closed the Srinagar city airport for civilian flights following instructions from the Indian Air Force, Jabd Anjum said.
The Indian-controlled Kashmir authorities have closed all schools and other educational institutions in at least seven border areas and areas around Srinagar Airport, officials said.
India speaks to us
The Indian Embassy in Washington said in a statement that national security adviser Ajit Doval spoke with US national security adviser and Secretary of State Marco Rubio after the strike. The embassy pointed to “clear involvement in the attacks of Pakistan-based terrorists,” which stated, “India has reliable leads, technical inputs and survivor testimony.”
Indian officials said the military had carried out the strike using precision strike weapons systems and targeted the headquarters of Jaish e Mohammed in Bahawalpur and Rashkar etaiba in Malidke.
China is calm
China has called for detention from both sides following India’s strike.
“China expressed regret over India’s military action this morning and is concerned about current development. China is opposed to all forms of terrorism,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman said in a statement. “We call on both India and Pakistan to prioritize peace and stability, stay calm and restrained, and not to take action that further complicates the situation.”
Beijing is Pakistan’s biggest investor, with the $65 billion Chinese and Pakistan economic corridor project spreading across the country. Meanwhile, China has also made multiple border claims challenged by India, one of the claims in the northeastern part of the Kashmir region.
Saaliq and Roy reported from New Delhi. Bhat and Ahmed reported from Islamabad. Hussein was reported from Srinagar, India. Associated Press author Ishfaq Hussian, Muzafarabad, Babaludga from Pakistan, Lahore, Pakistan, and Asimtangva from Pakistan contributed to the story.
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