India launches missile strikes into Pakistan, killing 26

ISLAMABAD. Tensions between nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan reached alarming levels on Wednesday as India fired a series of missiles into Pakistani-controlled territory, killing at least 26 people, including a child, and wounding dozens more. Islamabad swiftly condemned the strikes as an “act of war” and vowed retaliation.

India said the missile strikes targeted infrastructure used by militants allegedly linked to last month’s deadly assault on Indian Hindu tourists in Kashmir, which left 26 people dead. The operation, India’s military said, was code-named “Sindoor,” after the vermilion powder traditionally worn by Hindu married women, a reference to the women widowed in the attack.

Pakistan responded by shooting down several Indian fighter jets, with three aircraft crashing into villages in India-controlled Kashmir. Indian police and medics confirmed that seven civilians were also killed by Pakistani shelling along the Line of Control, while 30 others were injured.

In a strongly worded statement, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif denounced the Indian strikes:

“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.”

Pakistan’s National Security Committee convened urgently, while the country summoned India’s charge d’affaires to formally lodge a protest.

Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security. Indian politicians across party lines praised the military operation. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh posted on X:

“Victory to Mother India.”

The main opposition Congress party echoed nationalistic sentiments, saying it was “extremely proud” of the armed forces. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge said, “We applaud their resolute resolve and courage.”

Scenes of Panic and Civilian Casualties
According to Pakistan’s military spokesperson, Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif, Indian missiles struck six sites in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and the eastern province of Punjab. Among the dead were women and children. A further five people died in later exchanges of cross-border fire.

One of the missiles hit Subhan Mosque in Bahawalpur, Punjab, killing 13 people, including a child, said Dr. Zohaib Ahmed at a nearby hospital. The mosque is near a former seminary once used by the banned group Jaish-e-Mohammed. Another missile struck a mosque in Muridke, near what used to be the headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba.

In Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, residents described scenes of devastation. Abdul Sammad reported hearing multiple blasts before the power went out.

“We were afraid the next missile might hit our house,” said Mohammad Ashraf, who, like many, sought refuge in open areas.

Cross-Border Fire and Downed Planes
Pakistan’s military claimed it downed five Indian jets. Wreckage from one aircraft fell into Wuyan village in India-controlled Kashmir, damaging a school and mosque compound.

“There was a huge fire in the sky. Then we heard several blasts also,” said Wuyan resident Mohammed Yousuf Dar.

Another plane crashed in Bhardha Kalan, while a third went down in Punjab state, according to Indian police sources.

India’s Defense Ministry insisted the operation was “focused, measured and non-escalatory,” stating:

“Our actions have been focused, measured, and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistan military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint.”

Global Reaction and Escalation Fears
The United Nations called for de-escalation. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric stated that Secretary-General António Guterres “called for maximum restraint” and warned the world could not “afford a military confrontation” between the two nations.

China, a major Pakistani ally, also issued a statement urging calm.

“China expresses regret over India’s military actions this morning and is concerned about the current developments. We call on both India and Pakistan to prioritize peace and stability, remain calm and restrained,” the Foreign Ministry said.

Security analyst Michael Kugelman warned of a potential spiral into wider conflict.

“These are two strong militaries that, even with nuclear weapons as a deterrent, are not afraid to deploy sizeable levels of conventional military force against each other,” Kugelman said. “The escalation risks are real. And they could well increase, and quickly.”

In preparation for potential further conflict, India’s Home Ministry announced civil defense drills in several states, a rare move outside full-blown wartime.

With both sides digging in and international concern rising, South Asia once again faces a dangerous military escalation.