India conducted a military strike on Pakistani territory early this morning (Wednesday, May 7), marking an escalation in tensions between the two nations, just two weeks after a deadly attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir.
Indian officials have confirmed that the strike was aimed at terrorist groups operating from Pakistan, with Vikram Misri, India’s Foreign Secretary, citing intelligence reports indicating further attacks against India were imminent. Misri emphasized the need for India to preemptively strike in order to deter further violence.
However, Pakistan has strongly rejected India’s claims. Sharif Chaudhry, a spokesperson for the Pakistani military, accused India of targeting innocent civilians, calling the attack a “cowardly” action. Reports suggest that at least 26 civilians were killed and more than 45 injured in the airstrike. In retaliation, Pakistan launched artillery strikes on Indian positions.
Masood Azhar, the leader of the militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed, claimed that ten of his family members, including several children, were killed in the attack on a mosque in Bahawalpur, Pakistan.
International calls for de-escalation have been swift. The United Nations, China, Turkey, and other global players have urged both nations to prevent further violence. US President Donald Trump and Yoshimasa Hayashi, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, warned that the situation could spiral into a broader conflict if not resolved through dialogue.
In the wake of these developments, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry summoned the Indian diplomat for a formal protest, while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi postponed upcoming visits to Croatia, the Netherlands, and Norway.
Stay informed and updated on critical developments affecting the region—only on www.u.af, your go-to platform for global news that matters.
