Tensions Soar as India and Pakistan Trade Blame Over Drone and Missile Strikes
India and Pakistan are once again on the brink of serious conflict after a fresh round of military escalations, with both sides accusing the other of cross-border drone and missile attacks. The situation is being described as the worst confrontation between the nuclear-armed rivals in over 20 years.
India Reports Drone Attacks on Military Bases
On Thursday night, India claimed it thwarted Pakistani drone and missile attacks on its military installations in Jammu, Udhampur (in Indian-administered Kashmir), and Pathankot (Punjab). Blasts were reported in Jammu, which also experienced a complete blackout.
India’s military also launched what it called “Operation Sindoor”, stating it struck Pakistani air defenses and neutralized threats to its military targets.
Pakistan Denies Involvement, Reports Civilian Casualties
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif denied any involvement, saying, “We have not mounted anything so far. We will not strike and then deny.”
Despite this, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Pakistan’s military spokesperson, accused India of sending drones across multiple regions, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Karachi, and others. He claimed one civilian was killed and four troops injured.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed retaliation, claiming Pakistan had shot down five Indian fighter jets, though India has not commented on this claim.
A Retaliation for a Deadly Militant Attack
The latest flare-up follows an Indian strike on nine alleged militant sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. India blamed Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba for a deadly attack in Pahalgam on April 22, where 26 Indian tourists were killed. Pakistan has denied backing the militants or having any role in the attack.
Casualties and Regional Fallout
- Pakistan reports 31 killed and 57 injured from Indian strikes and shelling.
- India says 16 people, including three women and five children, were killed by Pakistani shelling in Kashmir.
Thousands of civilians on both sides have been evacuated from border areas, fearing further attacks.
International Concerns Mount
Global leaders and the United Nations have urged both nations to exercise restraint, fearing the situation could spiral into a larger military conflict. No independent verification of the claims made by either country has been provided.
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that New Delhi’s actions were defensive, responding only to prior aggression. “Our intention has not been to escalate matters,” he told reporters.
