India Strikes Pakistan: A Dangerous Escalation
India Launches Air Strikes on Pakistan
In a dramatic escalation of tensions, India launched missile and air strikes on nine locations across Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir early Wednesday morning. India claims the strikes targeted militant positions based on “credible intelligence”. The operation, lasting just 25 minutes, sent shockwaves through the region.
What Happened?
Indian officials say the strikes were aimed at “re-establishing deterrence” against militant groups operating in Pakistan. The targets included training camps and headquarters of three major militant organizations: Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
Pakistan claims only six locations were hit and says it shot down five Indian fighter jets and a drone, a claim India has not confirmed. Islamabad reported 26 deaths and 46 injuries in the attacks.
Responding to the Attack
This latest act of aggression follows a deadly militant attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir last month, which India blamed on Pakistan-based terrorists. Pakistan denies any involvement in the attack.
India’s strikes have drawn international concern. Experts say this response is more extensive than previous actions, marking a significant escalation in the longstanding rivalry between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
Will Pakistan Retaliate?
The question on everyone’s mind is: will Pakistan retaliate? Most experts believe it is highly likely.
“Pakistan’s response is sure to come. The challenge would be to manage the next level of escalation,” says Ajay Bisaria, a former Indian high commissioner to Pakistan.
Pakistani analysts warn that the current standoff could provide an opportunity for the military to regain public support, potentially leading to further military action.
A Dangerous Path
The risk of this conflict escalating into a wider war is a major concern. This is considered the most dangerous India-Pakistan crisis since 2002, even more perilous than the 2016 and 2019 standoffs.
The international community is watching with bated breath, hoping for a peaceful resolution to this volatile situation.
