Tensions between India and Pakistan reportedly escalated significantly on Tuesday, as India launched airstrikes targeting multiple locations within Pakistan.
The Indian military reported that the strikes hit nine sites believed to be involved in planning terrorist attacks against India.
This action was framed as a response to a deadly terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, allegedly at the hands of Pakistan-based terrorists.
Pakistan’s military denied India’s claims, asserting that the airstrikes damaged civilian areas and resulted in casualties, including two children.
In a statement, India’s embassy in the U.S. described the operation, dubbed Operation Sindoor, as necessary to combat terrorism, emphasizing the need for Pakistan to take action against the groups responsible for the attack.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance expressed hope that India would respond in a manner that would avoid escalating the conflict further.
He also called for Pakistan to cooperate in addressing the threats posed by terrorists operating from its territory.
In retaliation, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the airstrikes as a “cowardly attack” and vowed that Pakistan would respond decisively.
Reports indicated that Pakistan fired artillery across the border in response. Sharif emphasized that the Pakistani military and people were prepared to confront any threats.
In addition Pakistan has now claimed that it has shot down five Indian airforce fighter jets, with Indian confirming that three of its planes ‘crashed’ in the Kashmir region.
A French intelligence official confirmed today to CNN that the Indian Air Force has lost at least one Rafale fighter jet in the last 24 hours to Pakistan. The Pakistani Defense Ministry claims that five fighter jets operated by the Indian Air Force were shot down last night near…
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) May 7, 2025
The situation drew international attention, with U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging both nations to seek a peaceful resolution.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also expressed concern and called for restraint amid the rising tensions.
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