India strikes Pakistani territory in retaliation to Kashmir attack

In what many observers are calling "a dramatic escalation in tensions," two nuclear neighbors India and Pakistan have traded fierce fire over last month's deadly terrorist attack in the Indian-controlled part of Kashmir.

Byeon Ye-young reports.

In the early hours of Wednesday, the Indian military launched a strike inside Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

Pakistani officials report at least 30 civilian deaths, including children, and over four dozen injured.

Coined "Operation Sindoor," the strike targeted what India called "terrorist infrastructure," with the Indian government stressing that no Pakistani military facilities were targeted.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the attack "cowardly," and the Pakistani army spokesperson promised a strong response as well.

"This cowardly, unjustified act of the enemy will be responded to strongly by the Pakistan Army, responding with the support of the Pakistani nation."

Pakistan claimed several Indian fighter jets were shot down in retaliation.

India, meanwhile, reports at least 7 civilians were killed by Pakistani shelling across the de facto border that divides Kashmir between the two countries.

The escalating military exchange follows weeks of rising hostility, notably the April 22nd terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed dozens, in which Pakistan has denied involvement.

With both countries on high alert, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has urged the two nuclear powers to exercise restraint.

"It is also essential, especially at this critical hour, to avoid the military confrontation that could easily spin out of control. Now is the time for maximum restraint and stepping back from the brink."

U.S. President Donald Trump called the operation "a shame," while neighboring China expressed regret over India's actions and urged both sides to avoid further escalation.

Byeon Ye-young,

Arirang News.