Tensions have soared between the nuclear-armed neighbours
India said it had carried out “precision strikes” on “terrorist infrastructure” at nine sites in Pakistan, describing the attacks as “focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature”.
The strikes came amid soaring tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours over last month’s militant attack on tourists in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir. India has blamed Pakistan for backing the militant attack, which Islamabad has denied.
The missiles early on Wednesday struck locations in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and in the country’s eastern Punjab province, according to three Pakistani security officials. One of them struck a mosque in the city of Bahawalpur in Punjab, where a child was killed, and a woman and man were injured, one official said.
The officials said Pakistan had launched retaliatory strikes, without providing any details. The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to the media on the record.
State-run Pakistan Television, quoting security officials, said Pakistan’s air force shot down two Indian jets but provided no additional details. Pakistani army spokesman, Lt Gen Ahmad Sharif, told ARY News that the missiles were launched from within Indian territory and that no Indian aircraft had entered Pakistani airspace.
“This was a cowardly attack targeting innocent civilians under the cover of darkness,” Mr Sharif told the broadcaster.
India’s Defence Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday that at least nine sites were targeted “where terrorist attacks against India have been planned”.
“Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistan military facilities have been targeted,” the statement said, adding that “India has demonstrated considerable restraint in selection of targets and method of execution”.
“We are living up to the commitment that those responsible for this attack will be held accountable,” the statement said.
The Indian army in a post on the social media platform X wrote: “Justice is served.” It did not provide further details.
