India Conducts Airstrikes on Pakistani Terror Camps, Global Leaders React
India Strikes Terror Camps in Pakistan
In a significant escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan, Indian forces launched airstrikes early Wednesday on what they described as terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK). The strikes came in response to a deadly attack last month in India’s Pahalgam region that killed 26 people.
The Indian Perspective
India’s Defence Ministry stated that the “precision” strikes targeted “terrorist camps” and were a direct consequence of its commitment to hold those responsible for the Pahalgam attack accountable. The ministry emphasized that no Pakistani military facilities were targeted and that the action was measured and non-escalatory.
Pakistan’s Response
Pakistan confirmed the airstrikes, claiming that at least eight people were killed in the attack. The Pakistani military retaliated with artillery fire across the Line of Control (LoC), resulting in the death of three Indian civilians, according to the Indian army.
Global Reactions
United States
US President Donald Trump expressed concern over the escalating conflict, calling it a “shame” and hoping for a swift resolution. He acknowledged a history of tension between India and Pakistan. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also voiced concern and emphasized the importance of a peaceful resolution, while assuring continued US engagement with both nations.
Israel
Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, stated that Israel supports India’s right to self-defense, condemning terrorism and stressing that those responsible for violence against innocent people should be held accountable.
United Nations
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over the military operations, calling for maximum restraint from both sides. He emphasized the global community’s inability to afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan.
United Arab Emirates
The UAE called on India and Pakistan to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and avoid further escalation that could threaten regional and international peace. The UAE emphasized diplomacy and dialogue as the most effective means of resolving the crisis.
Details of the Strike
Indian officials confirmed that the airstrikes targeted the headquarters of the banned Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror groups in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Among the nine sites targeted were the JeM headquarters in Bahawalpur and the LeT headquarters in Muridke, both located in Pakistan Punjab. The Pakistani armed forces acknowledged these strikes.
