India and Pakistan started fresh airstrikes on Saturday using drones and missiles from fighter jets, further escalating the military standoff between these two nuclear-capable countries.
Each country blamed the other for initiating the conflict, claiming that their respective actions were taken in self-defense.
Although details regarding any territorial breaches by fighter jets were not revealed, both military forces confirmed the deployment of aircraft during the overnight operations. In a briefing early Saturday, Pakistani officials stated that India targeted three air bases in Pakistan with missiles, most of which were intercepted, and that ‘retaliatory strikes’ against India were underway.
The Pakistani military has confirmed the deployment of medium-range Fateh missiles targeting an Indian missile storage site and airbases located in Pathankot and Udhampur. In response, India accused Pakistan of launching attacks on ‘the medical center and school facilities at the air bases in Srinagar, Awantipora, and Udhampur’ using ‘UCAVs, drones, long-range weaponry, loitering munitions, and fighter jets to strike both civilian and military locations.’
The recent tensions come after a fatal terrorist attack last month that India attributes to Pakistan, a claim Pakistan vehemently denies. Lt. Gen. Ahmad Sharif, the spokesperson for the Pakistan Army, said in a TV address that their air force capabilities are unharmed following the Indian attacks, adding that some Indian missiles also hit areas in India’s eastern Punjab. ‘This is a serious provocation,’ Sharif declared.
The Indian missiles reportedly targeted the Nur Khan air base in Rawalpindi, the Murid air base in Chakwal, and the Rafiqui air base in Jhang district of eastern Punjab province, according to the spokesman. India stated that its military actions targeted Pakistan’s tech infrastructure, command centers, radar systems, and weapon storage facilities in Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, and Sukkur.
India confirmed it targeted radar sites in Pakistan, specifically in Pasrur and at the Sialkot aviation base, using precision-guided munitions.
On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the defense minister and top military leaders. A notable exchange of fire occurred along the Line of Control, the unofficial border in the Kashmir region, throughout Friday night, with loud explosions reported in major towns and cities near the border.
India has reported civilian casualties due to shelling from Pakistan, although exact numbers were not disclosed. In a press briefing on Saturday morning, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force emphasized that the Indian Armed Forces are dedicated to avoiding escalation, contingent upon a corresponding reaction from the Pakistan Military. Additionally, India refuted Pakistan’s claims about the destruction of an Indian S-400 Air Defense System and Air Force Stations located in Sirsa and Surat.
On Friday, the U.S. State Department disclosed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir, urging both countries to pursue de-escalation and offering U.S. support to foster constructive dialogue to avert future conflicts. Secretary Rubio also spoke with India’s Foreign Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday morning, who stressed that India’s approach has always been measured and responsible.
Tensions have risen between the nuclear-armed rivals following an attack at a popular tourist site in India-administered Kashmir that killed 26 civilians, mostly Hindu Indian tourists, on April 22.
New Delhi has accused Pakistan of backing the attack, a claim that Islamabad strongly denies. On Wednesday, India conducted airstrikes on several locations within Pakistani territory, which it labeled as militant-related, resulting in the deaths of 31 civilians, according to Pakistani officials, who also claimed to have shot down five Indian fighter jets.
On Thursday, India declared its successful interception of drone and missile attacks from Pakistan targeting military sites in more than a dozen cities and towns, including Jammu in the Indian-administered Kashmir region. Pakistan denied these claims of launching drone strikes.
The Rivalry between India and Pakistan over the Himalayan territory of Kashmir has lasted for decades, with both nations claiming sovereignty over the entire area, even though they each control only a small part. Furthermore, a northeastern portion of this territory is administered by China, which has historically fueled tensions between Delhi and Beijing.
