India Missile Strikes Hit Pakistan, Tensions Soar
India missile strikes on Pakistan civilian areas spark fears of war after Kashmir attack. Pakistan vows retaliation as global leaders urge calm.
India has launched missile strikes on civilian areas in Pakistan, targeting Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and Bahawalpur, escalating tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors. The attacks, reported on May 6, 2025, have killed at least one child and injured others, prompting Pakistan to vow a strong response. This crisis follows a deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir, which India blames on Pakistan, raising fears of a broader conflict.
Details of the Missile Strikes
The strikes hit civilian locations at night, causing a blackout in Muzaffarabad and disrupting daily life. Reports indicate targets included the Subhanullah mosque in Bahawalpur and areas in Kotli and Bagh. Pakistani officials confirmed one child died, with a woman and a man seriously injured. The attacks have led to flight rerouting and a red alert at New Islamabad International Airport.
Pakistan Response and Global Concern
Pakistan scrambled jets and closed its airspace to commercial flights, signaling readiness to retaliate. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the strikes, calling them an act of aggression. Globally, the United Nations and leaders from the United States and China urged restraint, emphasizing the need for dialogue to prevent a nuclear escalation. Pakistan has appealed to the UN Security Council for intervention.
Roots of the Conflict
The strikes stem from a terrorist attack on April 22, 2025, in Pahalgam, Kashmir, where 26 civilians died. India accuses Pakistan of backing the attackers, a claim Pakistan denies. This incident heightened military posturing, with both nations testing missiles in recent weeks. The long-standing Kashmir dispute remains a flashpoint, with both countries claiming the region but administering parts.
Risks of Escalation
Both India and Pakistan possess nuclear weapons, making any conflict a global concern. Military experts warn that even conventional strikes, like those reported, risk miscalculation. India larger resources contrast with Pakistan focus on tactical nuclear deterrence, complicating the situation. Targeting civilian areas has further inflamed tensions, increasing the stakes.
