Why it matters:
The flare-up between two nuclear-armed neighbors threatens to spiral into a broader regional conflict, with both sides exchanging military strikes, casualties mounting, and air defenses activated. The crisis follows a deadly terror attack in Indian-administered Kashmir and could redraw the contours of South Asia’s already volatile security landscape.
The big picture:
Tensions have escalated rapidly since India launched “Operation Sindoor,” targeting what it called terrorist infrastructure at nine locations inside Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
That strike, which India framed as pre-emptive, followed a deadly attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, an incident New Delhi blamed on Pakistan. Islamabad denied involvement and called for an international investigation.
What he’s saying:
A spokesperson for the Pakistan Army claimed their forces successfully shot down 25 Israeli-made Harop drones operated by the Indian Army near Karachi and Lahore.
“We have succeeded in neutralizing multiple aerial threats,” the spokesperson said, as Islamabad vowed retaliation for the Indian strikes.
Key points:
- Multiple rockets were launched from across the International Border into Jammu, Rajasthan, and Punjab. Indian media reports that eight missiles targeted the Jammu civil airport and surrounding areas.
- India activated its S-400 air defense systems, intercepting all incoming missiles. Fighter jets were scrambled in response to a drone strike on the Jammu airport.
- Pakistan claims to have shot down 25 Indian drones in its airspace, including in Karachi and Lahore.
- Indian authorities confirmed 13 deaths, including one soldier, in recent cross-border firing. Pakistan reported 31 deaths from Indian missile strikes.
- The latest escalation follows the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. India accuses Pakistan of cross-border links, while Pakistan denies involvement and calls for a neutral probe.
Go deeper:
Signs Emerge of Possible De-escalation Between Islamabad and New Delhi
Hossein Vaez
