Context:

India conducted military strikes on Pakistan following a terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed countries. The Indian government claimed the strikes targeted terror camps linked to Pakistan-based terrorists involved in the attack that killed 26 civilians. In response, Pakistan denounced the strikes as an act of war and vowed to retaliate, while both nations braced for further escalation. The international community, including the United Nations, urged restraint, emphasizing the potential for dire consequences if the conflict continues to escalate. The situation remains tense, with both countries having a history of conflict over the disputed Kashmir region, which has seen several wars and military confrontations in the past.

Dive Deeper:

• India's military strikes on Pakistan were a direct response to a terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, which left over two dozen civilians dead. The Indian government's decision to target sites in Pakistan marked a significant escalation, as previous military actions were generally limited to Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

• Pakistan's response to the Indian strikes was to accuse India of violating its sovereignty and committing an unprovoked act of war. The Pakistani military claimed to have begun a measured response, although specifics of this retaliation were not detailed.

• The international community, including the U.S. and the United Nations, expressed concern over the potential for further escalation between India and Pakistan, both of which possess nuclear capabilities. Calls for restraint were made to prevent a full-scale military confrontation.

• The strikes, termed Operation Sindoor by India, targeted locations believed to be associated with militant groups like Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba. These groups have been linked to past terrorist activities in the region, adding to the complexity of the conflict.

• Both India and Pakistan have a long-standing conflict over the Kashmir region, which dates back to the partition of British India in 1947. This region remains one of the most militarized areas globally, with a history of wars and skirmishes influencing current tensions.

• The Indian government justified its military actions by citing evidence of Pakistan-based terrorists' involvement in the recent attack, though Pakistan has denied any involvement. This has led to increased military readiness along the India-Pakistan border, with air defense units activated and several airports closed.

• Following the Indian strikes, there were reports of aircraft being downed on both sides, adding to the hostilities. While India claimed to have conducted responsible and targeted strikes, Pakistan promised a response at a time and place of its choosing.