Tue May 06 20:30:00 UTC 2025: ## India Launches Cross-Border Strikes After Kashmir Attack

**ISLAMABAD/NEW DELHI** – India launched a series of airstrikes on multiple locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir early Wednesday, claiming the targets were terrorist infrastructure linked to a deadly militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir on April 22nd. The operation, dubbed “Operation Sindoor,” came two weeks after the attack, which killed 26 people, including 25 Indians and one Nepali national.

The Indian defense ministry stated that nine sites were targeted, emphasizing that no Pakistani military facilities were hit. However, Pakistan vehemently denies any involvement in the Pahalgam attack and has condemned the strikes as unprovoked aggression. Pakistan’s defense minister, Khawaja Asif, claimed civilian areas in Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and Bahwalpur were struck, resulting in civilian casualties, including the death of two children, according to Pakistani military spokesperson Ahmed Sharif.

The April 22nd attack, the worst on civilians in the region in two decades, targeted Hindu men, sparking widespread outrage in India and prompting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to vow to bring those responsible to justice. While India hasn’t named the perpetrators, it alleges some attackers were Pakistani nationals and accuses Pakistan of supporting militants—a claim Pakistan denies.

The strikes represent a significant escalation in tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors, following weeks of tit-for-tat actions including diplomatic expulsions and border closures. This mirrors previous escalations following attacks like the 2016 Uri attack and the 2019 Pulwama bombing, both of which led to cross-border strikes.

International concern is mounting, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres calling for maximum restraint and US President Joe Biden expressing hope for a swift end to the hostilities. The situation remains volatile, highlighting the enduring conflict over Kashmir and the potential for further escalation between India and Pakistan.

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