Explosions rocked Indian Kashmir and Amritsar in Punjab on Friday, marking a severe escalation in hostilities between India and Pakistan, the worst in nearly three decades. The Indian military reported engaging drones, signaling the intensity of the conflict, which has deeply concerned global leaders. Pakistan’s military announced an operation named “Operation Bunyanun Marsoos” in retaliation for perceived Indian aggression, and claimed to have targeted India’s Pathankot Airfield and Udhampur Air Force Station.
In Jammu, flash explosions illuminated the night sky, plunging the city into darkness amid reports of drone activity across multiple locations in India’s northwest. Explosions were also reported near Srinagar, as the region continues to experience significant unrest. Casualty estimates from the ongoing conflict have reached around 48, though these figures are unverified. The tensions escalated after India initiated strikes against targets it labeled as “terrorist infrastructure” following a deadly attack on Hindu tourists in Kashmir.
Both countries have engaged in cross-border fire, with drones and missiles being deployed. This surge in violence has led to mass evacuations in border areas, with individuals stockpiling food and remaining indoors. The Indian cricket league postponed events, reflecting the impact of the tension on public life.
Since their independence in 1947, India and Pakistan have struggled with a fraught relationship, marked by three wars and ongoing disputes, primarily over Kashmir. In response to the escalating conflict, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been in touch with both nations’ leaders, emphasizing the American government’s desire for de-escalation.
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