India-Pakistan Tensions Explode into Missile Strikes Across Borders
In a dramatic and alarming development in South Asia, military tensions between India and Pakistan have flared into open hostilities as both nations exchanged missile strikes across their respective borders early Saturday morning.
The situation escalated following a militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir in April that left 26 Hindu pilgrims dead. India, blaming the attack on Pakistan-based militant groups, launched a series of targeted missile strikes on Pakistani military installations in retaliation. Key targets reportedly included the Nur Khan airbase near Islamabad and facilities in Punjab province.
In response, Pakistan initiated a counter-operation under the name “Bunyan Ul Marsoos,” striking multiple Indian military sites in Jammu and Kashmir, including the Pathankot airfield and Udhampur airbase. According to Pakistan’s military media wing (ISPR), the counterattacks were “precisely targeted and defensive in nature,” intended to neutralize India’s offensive capabilities and deter further aggression.
Casualty reports are still being confirmed, but early figures suggest at least 48 people have been killed, including military personnel and civilians on both sides. Medical services are reportedly overwhelmed in affected areas, and both governments have placed their militaries on high alert.
In a significant move, Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority has closed the nation’s airspace, suspending all domestic and international flights. Airspace around India’s border regions is also under restricted operation. Troop deployments along the Line of Control (LoC) have increased dramatically, and intelligence reports suggest heightened activity among both countries’ air and missile defense units.
This marks one of the most serious military confrontations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors since the Balakot air strikes of 2019. Political leaders in both countries have issued firm but cautious statements. Indian defense officials said their actions were a “measured response to unprovoked terrorism,” while Pakistan’s foreign ministry labeled India’s actions “reckless and destabilizing.”
International leaders and organizations have responded with alarm. The United Nations, European Union, and United States have called for immediate de-escalation and dialogue. “The risk of full-scale conflict must be avoided at all costs,” said a UN Security Council representative during an emergency session.
Security analysts warn that if the situation is not brought under control swiftly, it could spiral into a larger war with regional and even global implications. The decades-long Kashmir dispute, which remains unresolved, continues to serve as a flashpoint for recurring military tension between the two countries.
At present, diplomatic backchannels are reportedly active, but no official peace talks have been announced. Citizens across both nations have been urged to remain calm, though fear and uncertainty continue to grip the region.
This is a developing story. More updates will follow as confirmed information becomes available.
Source: Based on verified reports from international news outlets including The Guardian
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