Kathmandu, May 7, 2025 — In a dramatic escalation of cross-border hostilities, India has launched a series of targeted airstrikes across nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir under a military operation code-named “Operation Sindoor.” The strikes, carried out on May 6, resulted in the deaths of at least seven people, including two children, according to the Pakistan Army’s media wing, ISPR.
The Indian government said the military offensive was in direct retaliation for the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22, which claimed the lives of 27 civilians—mostly Hindu pilgrims. India has blamed the attack on The Resistance Front, a militant outfit linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistan-based terrorist group.
According to Indian officials, the targets were militant training camps and safehouses allegedly operated by Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. The airstrikes were conducted after clearance from the top leadership in New Delhi, reportedly under the direct supervision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Global Powers Briefed
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that prior to the operation, major global players including the United States, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Russia were briefed about the mission. The strikes, according to the Ministry, were “precise, limited, and non-escalatory” and intended solely to dismantle militant infrastructure.
In response, Pakistan condemned the airstrikes, labeling them a “cowardly act of aggression.” The Pakistani military claimed to have shot down five Indian fighter jets and an Indian drone, and to have destroyed an Indian brigade headquarters in retaliatory shelling. Emergency status has been declared in several parts of Pakistan’s Punjab province, and high-level security meetings have been convened.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister stated, “India has crossed a red line. We reserve the right to respond at the time and place of our choosing.”
Civilian Casualties and Damage
Eyewitnesses and local authorities in areas such as Kotli, Muzaffarabad, Bahawalpur, and Muridke reported that the airstrikes damaged several residential buildings and religious sites. The Pakistan Red Crescent confirmed that seven civilians were killed, including two children and three women, and over 35 others were injured.
Disruption in Indian Airspace
Following the operation, India temporarily shut down its northern airspace, affecting commercial flights in and out of Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, and Bikaner. Airlines such as IndiGo and SpiceJet announced widespread delays and diversions due to the closure of key air routes.
International Reactions
U.S. President Donald Trump termed the incident “tragic” and urged both nations to show restraint, expressing hope that the long-standing India-Pakistan conflict would find a peaceful resolution. Similarly, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on both countries to de-escalate and prioritize diplomacy over conflict.
This is the most severe escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors since the Pulwama-Balakot standoff in 2019. Analysts warn that further military engagement could spark a broader conflict unless cooler heads prevail. With the situation rapidly evolving, international attention remains focused on South Asia, as calls for peace grow louder amid rising fears of a new warfront.
