Regional tensions have surged following a deadly missile operation carried out by India, named “Operation Sindoor”, targeting what it called “militant facilities” within Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The move has been described as a significant military escalation. According to Pakistani military sources, at least 26 civilian casualties have been reported in the aftermath of the strikes, as cited by Reuters.
Airspace Conflict Intensifies
In a rapid escalation of the conflict, Pakistan claims to have downed five Indian fighter jets along with a surveillance drone. While India has not acknowledged the loss of any aircraft, Pakistani sources allege that three of the jets were Rafale fighters, a cornerstone of India’s advanced air fleet procured from France.
Violence After Tourist Tragedy
This spike in hostilities follows a recent mass shooting in Indian-administered Kashmir, where armed attackers killed over 20 civilians — most of them tourists. India pointed fingers at Pakistan for orchestrating the attack, an allegation Islamabad strongly denies.
Kashmir at the Heart of the Conflict
The disputed region of Kashmir remains a flashpoint between the nuclear-armed neighbors. With both countries administering parts of the territory but each claiming it in entirety, the area has witnessed multiple wars and ongoing cross-border clashes, driven by religious, territorial, and political divides.
