Escalating Tensions: India and Pakistan Engage in Retaliatory Strikes
In a dramatic escalation of conflict, Pakistan has launched a retaliatory military operation, dubbed Operation Bunyan Ul Marsoos, in response to India’s missile strikes targeting key Pakistani military bases. The confrontation began when India fired six missiles at Nur Khan, Murid, and Shorkot—key military installations in Pakistan—early Saturday morning. Reportedly, Pakistan intercepted most of the incoming missiles.
In retaliation, Pakistan targeted multiple sites in India, including the Pathankot airfield and Udhampur base, with explosions reportedly heard from both locations. Meanwhile, India targeted Nur Khan air base, which is located near Rawalpindi and serves as a critical hub for the Pakistan military.
The alarming back-and-forth marks the most significant military conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors in decades, resulting in at least 48 reported casualties since clashes began earlier in the week, after an attack on Hindu tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir, which India attributed to Pakistan-based militants.
Amidst rising tensions, both nations expressed a willingness to de-escalate if the other reciprocates. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged both countries to restore communication to avoid further miscalculations. The G7 countries joined this call, advocating for maximum restraint to ensure regional stability.
In ongoing developments, Pakistan has shut its airspace for 24 hours and increased troop deployments along the border, while India has mobilized additional forces in preparation for potential escalation. As the situation unfolds, the world watches closely, given the dire implications of further military engagement between these two long-standing adversaries.
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