India has launched air strikes against militants in Pakistani territory, marking a significant escalation in tensions between the two countries. The Indian government stated that the strikes targeted a training camp of the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) group in Balakot, located in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Pakistan, however, denied any casualties and claimed that its jets forced the Indian planes to withdraw, forcing them to drop their payload in an open area. Pakistan condemned the strikes, stating it would respond "at the time and place of its choosing."
This strike follows a militant attack in Kashmir earlier this month, in which 40 Indian troops were killed in a suicide bombing claimed by JeM. India accuses Pakistan of harboring militant groups and supporting such attacks, which Pakistan denies. The Balakot air strike is the first Indian operation across the de facto border between Indian-administered and Pakistan-administered Kashmir since the 1971 war.
In India, some citizens took to the streets in protest, burning effigies of Pakistan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while not directly addressing the air strikes at a rally, emphasized his admiration for India’s "heroes" and their courage. The air strikes come ahead of India's national elections in May, with some observers suggesting the operation could be aimed at gaining domestic political support.
In Srinagar, Kashmir, there is widespread concern about the increasing tensions, with residents fearing a full-scale war. Pakistani officials, meanwhile, have described the air strikes as a "reckless" act, accusing India of using the situation for political gain.
The escalation of hostilities has placed both nations on high alert, with Pakistan convening a meeting of national security officials and the military placing the affected area under strict control to prevent information leaks. There are also concerns that militants could retaliate against Indian forces in Kashmir at a later time.
The situation remains volatile, and the international community is closely monitoring developments.