India Launches Strikes on Pakistan After Kashmir Massacre; Islamabad Claims to Down 5 Indian Jets

By A Staff Reporter

Tensions between nuclear-armed neighbors India and Pakistan flared dangerously on Wednesday after India launched what it described as precision strikes on “terrorist infrastructure” within Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The military action, dubbed “Operation Sindoor” by Indian authorities, came in response to a brutal massacre of over two dozen civilians—mainly tourists—in Indian-controlled Kashmir last month. New Delhi has squarely blamed Pakistan for harboring the militants involved, a charge Islamabad denies.

According to Indian military sources, the strikes targeted nine locations suspected of sheltering militant groups responsible for the recent violence. However, Pakistan’s military stated that the attacks resulted in at least 26 civilian deaths and caused widespread displacement in affected areas. Residents in towns like Shawai and Muridke described scenes of chaos and destruction, with missiles striking homes and even a mosque, according to eyewitness.

In retaliation, Pakistan said it downed five Indian Air Force jets and an unmanned drone. Security sources in Islamabad claimed three of the aircraft were Rafale fighters—advanced jets recently acquired by India from France. India has not confirmed any losses so far.

This latest confrontation marks the most significant military action between the two countries in over five decades and threatens to destabilize the already volatile region. The disputed territory of Kashmir, claimed in full by both India and Pakistan, has long been a flashpoint for conflict, having already triggered three wars between the neighbors.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi postponed a scheduled overseas tour following the strikes, signaling the gravity of the situation. Meanwhile, thousands of residents in the affected Pakistani regions have fled their homes in fear of further escalation.

The international community has called for restraint, but with nationalist fervor rising on both sides, diplomatic efforts face a steep challenge in pulling the subcontinent back from the brink.