Tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors have risen sharply after India launched missile strikes on what it said were terrorist facilities in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The international community, including Britain, Russia, China, the EU and the United Nations, have expressed concern over the attacks and called for a de-escalation.
The European Union has urged both sides to find a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir issue. The Australian government said it was engaging diplomatically with both countries. India launched Operation Sindoor in retaliation for the April 22 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 people, including 25 Hindu tourists, on Islamist militant camps inside Pakistan.
Pakistan called the attacks an act of war and vowed retaliation, and announced that it had shot down five Indian aircraft. Pakistan said at least 43 people, including 31 civilians, were killed in the strikes, and that there were no militant camps and that India’s actions were a violation of its sovereignty. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said Pakistan would retaliate against Indian military targets, not civilians.
US President Donald Trump offered to mediate, saying, “We want to see them stop. If we can help, we will.” The Indian government briefed foreign diplomats, with Defense Minister Rajnath Singh saying the operation was carried out with precision and avoided civilian areas. Reports of the downing of the planes are controversial and India has not confirmed Pakistan’s claims. The attacks are the worst escalation of tensions between the two countries in more than 20 years.
Hits: 0