Pakistan has initiated counterattacks against India following missile strikes on three of its air bases, escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations and raising alarms over potential miscalculations that could spiral into a full-scale war. Indian Wing Commander Vyomika Singh reported multiple high-speed missile attacks targeting air bases, though claimed that the damage sustained was limited.
The tensions flared after Pakistan accused India of conducting missile strikes, particularly one in Rawalpindi, located approximately 10 kilometers from Islamabad. In a tragic development, authorities in Pakistan-administered Kashmir reported that Indian shelling resulted in the deaths of 11 civilians overnight. During a live broadcast, military spokesman Ahmed Sharif issued a warning: “Now you just wait for our response,” underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated this stance, affirming that Pakistan has retaliated and sought justice for the loss of innocent lives. The recent clashes, which have inundated the region with fighter jets, drones, missiles, and artillery exchanges, represent the worst violence seen in decades, with civilian casualties exceeding 60.
This surge in conflict traces back to a deadly attack last month in Indian-administered Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists, predominantly Hindu men. India has blamed the assault on the Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba, a designation recognized by the United Nations, while Islamabad has firmly denied involvement and called for an independent investigation.
Given the historical backdrop of territorial disputes over Kashmir since the countries gained independence from British rule in 1947, this conflict risks further destabilizing an already fraught relationship. Amidst rising tensions, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio contacted senior officials from both nations, urging for the reinstatement of direct communications to prevent any miscalculations. He emphasized the need for both sides to explore de-escalation methods.
In a notable diplomatic move, Rubio also engaged with Pakistan’s army chief, a key figure of influence in the country. Complementing these efforts, China and the G7 group of industrialized nations have made similar calls for restraint from both sides.
Reports indicated that the Indian airstrikes, particularly near Rawalpindi, reverberated through Islamabad. This base serves critical diplomatic functions, having recently hosted the Saudi minister of state for foreign affairs, who had just departed hours before the attack. Loud explosions were also reported in Srinagar, the capital of Indian-administered Kashmir, where a police officer suggested that the Awantipora military airbase had been targeted.
As the intensity of conflict surged, the Indian army claimed to have successfully repelled multiple attacks from Pakistan involving drones and munitions. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s military denied claims of conducting drone strikes and signaled intentions of retaliation for India’s strikes.
In the regional chaos, residents of Jammu, the second-largest city in Indian-run Kashmir, hurried to catch an emergency train to escape the violence. Many were poor laborers from other regions of India attempting to return to their homes due to the escalating situation.
Pakistan’s military spokesperson claimed their forces had intercepted 77 drones, indicating an uptick in aerial engagements. The conflict’s ramifications extend beyond the combatants and now threaten international aviation routes, leading airlines to cancel flights or take longer paths to avoid the volatile India-Pakistan frontier. In response to the growing crisis, India has closed 32 airports, and schools close to the border have shuttered their doors, impacting millions of children. As a precautionary measure, Pakistan’s aviation authority announced a temporary closure of its airspace until noon Sunday.
