India launched precision strikes on militant infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, marking a significant escalation between the nuclear-armed neighbours. A missile slammed into the Subhan Mosque in Bahawalpur, which tragically claimed the life of a child.
India said the sites targeted were linked to last month’s massacre of tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir. “Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistan military facilities have been targeted,” said the Indian Defence Ministry. “India has demonstrated considerable restraint.”
India added it was responding to the April massacre of tourists in Kashmir, which was claimed by a previously unknown group calling itself Kashmir Resistance.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the operation as “an act of war,” warning of consequences. “Pakistan has every right to give a robust response to this act of war imposed by India, and a strong response is indeed being given,” he said. He also called the strikes “cowardly attacks” by a “deceitful enemy.”
The targeted mosque is adjacent to a former headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed, a group banned in 2002. Another missile hit a mosque in Muridke, near the former base of Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Indian missiles struck six locations across Pakistan-administered Kashmir and eastern Punjab, killing at least 19 and injuring 38, according to Pakistani officials. Vibes of India awaits confirmation of the exact number.
Islamabad claimed to have shot down multiple Indian jets, though India has yet to respond to the claim.
The Indian army reported that three civilians were killed in Indian-controlled Kashmir by Pakistani shelling. Meanwhile, Pakistani authorities shut schools, declared emergencies in hospitals, and cleared seminaries amid fears of further escalation.
India’s strikes was code-named “Operation Sindoor,” referencing the red vermillion powder worn by married Hindu women. It’s a symbolic homour to the women widowed in the Pahalgam massacre.
“Victory to Mother India,” tweeted Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge added, “We applaud their resolute resolve and courage.”
South Asia analyst Michael Kugelman described the incident as “one of the highest-intensity strikes from India on its rival in years,” warning: “The escalation risks are real. And they could well increase, and quickly.”
At the UN, Secretary-General António Guterres called for “maximum military restraint” and warned, “The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan.”
Also Read: Operation Sindoor: India Strikes Terror Infrastructure In Pakistan; Three Civilians Killed In Firing And Shelling On Indian Side https://www.vibesofindia.com/operation-sindoor-india-strikes-terror-infrastructure-in-pakistan-three-civilians-killed-in-firing-and-shelling-on-indian-side/
