Islamabad – May 10, 2025 — In an unexpected escalation of hostilities, Pakistan has launched a series of retaliatory strikes against Indian military installations across northern India and Kashmir. Dubbed Operation Bunyan al-Marsus by Pakistan, these retaliatory strikes come after India launched airstrikes that Islamabad claims led to civilian casualties on Pakistani territory. Source: Wikipedia (source for image).
According to Pakistan’s military spokesperson, these strikes employed both drones and Fateh medium-range missiles in targeting Indian airbases, missile storage facilities and command centers across Jammu, Punjab and Rajasthan.
The recent escalation follows an April 22 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that claimed 26 Indian tourists’ lives and was widely blamed on Pakistan-based militants, with India responding with “Operation Sindoor,” targeting nine sites within Pakistan and Pakistani-administered Kashmir. [The Times of India and The Sun +7 and Wikipedia. ].
Retaliating in kind, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyan al-Marsus as part of their counterterrorism response in an effort to neutralize what they characterized as “hard military targets.” According to Pakistani military sources, all strikes conducted were precise and avoided civilian areas.
India, however, has strongly denounced Pakistani strikes and accused Islamabad of targeting civilian infrastructure and exacerbating conflict. India reported casualties and damage in civilian areas such as schools and hospitals from these attacks.
The international community has voiced grave concern at the rapid escalation between two nuclear-armed neighbors, India and Pakistan. Through diplomatic channels, the US has strongly advised both nations to exercise restraint and enter dialogue to ease tensions.
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The Times
Even amid ongoing hostilities, both India and Pakistan have expressed willingness to consider de-escalating tensions, provided both parties take reciprocal steps. Diplomatic efforts are underway with high-level talks expected to resume shortly.
As the situation remains precarious, the international community remains vigilant in monitoring developments closely and emphasizing the necessity for an immediate cessation of hostilities and resumption of peaceful negotiations.