by On May 6, 2025, India launched a series of missile strikes, dubbed “Operation Sindoor,” targeting nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The Indian government stated that these strikes were aimed at dismantling “terrorist infrastructure” responsible for the recent attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. DIE WELT+10Wikipedia+10Al Jazeera+10
Background of the Conflict
The catalyst for these strikes was the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, where gunmen targeted Hindu tourists, leading to significant casualties. The Resistance Front, an offshoot of the Pakistan-based group Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility. India accused Pakistan of supporting the attackers, a claim Pakistan has denied. ElHuffPost+6Wikipedia+6Wikipedia+6NPR+2Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2
Details of Operation Sindoor
India’s Ministry of Defence described the operation as “focused, measured, and non-escalatory,” emphasizing that the strikes targeted only terrorist facilities and avoided Pakistani military sites. The targeted areas included Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and Bahawalpur. ABC News+2Financial Times+2Wikipedia+2ABC News+1Wikipedia+1
Pakistan’s Response
Pakistan condemned the strikes as an “act of war.” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed a strong response, stating that Pakistan reserves the right to defend itself. The Pakistani military reported that five locations were hit, including two mosques, resulting in three deaths and 12 injuries. Additionally, Pakistan claimed to have shot down two Indian jets. Wikipedia+6Wikipedia+6AP News+6NPR+3AP News+3Financial Times+3Wikipedia+2Financial Times+2ABC News+2
International Reactions
The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, urged both nations to exercise maximum restraint to prevent further escalation. U.S. President Donald Trump labeled the situation as “a shame” and expressed hope for a swift resolution. AP News+1Wikipedia+1El País+2Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2
Current Situation
Both India and Pakistan have heightened military readiness, with Pakistan placing its air force on high alert. The situation remains tense, with the international community closely monitoring developments to prevent a broader conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.AP News+3Wikipedia+3Reuters+3
