NEW DELHI / ISLAMABAD – The Indian government announced early Wednesday that its military launched “Operation Sindoor”, striking what it claims were terrorist infrastructure sites inside Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
In a detailed official statement released at 1:45 AM, New Delhi said the strikes hit nine sites allegedly linked to groups involved in cross-border terrorism.
India: “Measured and Non-Escalatory Action”
India says the operation was a response to last month’s deadly militant attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir.
“The attacks were planned and directed from across the border,” the statement claimed. “We have acted in self-defence.”
The Indian government insisted the operation was “focused, measured, and non-escalatory.”
“No Pakistani military facility was targeted,” it added.
India also said it had shown restraint in selecting both the targets and the execution method. However, no details were shared about the locations or the type of weapons used.
Pakistan Confirms Missile Strikes, Vows Response
Earlier, Pakistan’s military confirmed that missile attacks had struck Bahawalpur, Muzaffarabad, and Kotli. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), these strikes caused damage but did not breach Pakistani airspace.
“All Pakistani fighter jets are airborne,” said DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry. “We will respond decisively.”
The ISPR strongly condemned the strikes, calling them a “cowardly and shameful act.”
Retaliation Expected
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned that a clash with India is now inevitable.
“Our forces are fully prepared,” he said in a live television appearance. “Any attack on Pakistan’s soil will be met with full force.”
He added that the government had already received intelligence briefings earlier in the day, warning of potential Indian aggression.
Read: Trump Reacts to Indian Strikes, Calls It ‘A Shame’ — Karachi on High Alert Amid Airstrike Threat
India Links Strikes to Kashmir Attack
India’s Ministry of External Affairs claimed the airstrikes were in retaliation for the April 2025 attack on Indian tourists in Kashmir.
That attack killed over a dozen civilians, prompting outrage across India.
“India has the right to defend its people,” the statement said.
India has not released satellite imagery, video, or casualty figures from the operation. Pakistan has also not yet confirmed whether any terror infrastructure was actually damaged.
International Reaction Begins
Global reaction has started pouring in. The United Nations, China, and the United States have all been briefed. A potential UN Security Council emergency meeting is under discussion.
Turkey and Iran have called for restraint from both sides.
Analysts fear this sudden escalation between two nuclear-armed nations could spiral into a full-scale conflict.
Pakistan on High Alert
Air defense systems have been activated. Military bases are on high alert across Punjab and Azad Kashmir. Civilians in border areas have been advised to stay indoors.
“We will not be provoked into war, but we will defend our land,” said a senior Pakistani military official.
This is a developing story. Updates to follow.
Follow us on Google News, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook,Whats App, and TikTok for latest updates