Tensions rise as Pakistan launches military campaign against India: What we know so far

Islamabad has said the move is in retaliation for New Delhi’s strikes on its territory and the Pakistani-controlled part of Kashmir

Pakistan has announced the launch of a large-scale military operation against India – Bunyan Al Marsoos – in a new wave of escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Islamabad has said the move is in retaliation for Indian strikes on its territory and Pakistani-controlled Kashmir.

India earlier launched Operation Sindoor, targeting what it described as “terrorist infrastructure” in Pakistan. The strikes followed a deadly terrorist attack in Baisaran Valley that killed 26 civilians last month – which India holds Pakistan responsible for.

Islamabad – calling New Delhi’s operation an act of “unprovoked aggression” – has responded with shelling across the Line of Control, the de facto border in Kashmir.

Pakistan’s ‘unbreakable wall’

Pakistan launched its operation overnight Friday into Saturday after reporting that Indian forces had struck three of its air bases, including Nur Khan near Rawalpindi, just 10km from Islamabad. Pakistan condemned the strikes as “blatant aggression” but said its air defenses intercepted the attacks.

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Pakistan’s Operation Bunyan Al Marsoos (unbreakable wall) was announced on X. Islamabad said the operation aims to “protect Pakistan’s sovereignty, security, and oppressed citizens” and called it a “befitting” response to Indian “aggression.” The government claimed to have “successfully targeted key Indian military installations,” destroyed a brigade headquarters at G Top, and hit a missile storage site in northern India.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Pakistan had no choice but to retaliate to the Indian attacks, but later signaled willingness to deescalate if India halts further strikes.

New Delhi’s response

India’s Foreign Ministry accused Pakistan on Saturday of attacking military sites along its western border using drones, fighter jets, and loitering munitions. It said Pakistan attempted to infiltrate Indian airspace at more than 26 locations and carried out indiscriminate strikes on civilian targets, including health centers and schools.

Indian officials denied Islamabad’s claims of critical infrastructure damage, calling them “lies, misinformation, and propaganda.” The military released time-stamped images of intact air bases and confirmed only limited damage to personnel and infrastructure at Udhampur, Bhuj, Pathankot, and Bathinda. India also denied claims that its S-400 systems and BrahMos base were hit.

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New Delhi confirmed that it conducted “retaliatory” precision airstrikes early Saturday on Pakistani air bases at Nur Khan, Rahim Yar Khan, Rafiqui, Murid, Sialkot, and two radar sites, saying they were verified military targets.

Later, the Indian Army said it destroyed several terrorist launchpads near the Line of Control in response to Pakistani strikes, calling them “hubs for planning and executing terror attacks against Indian civilians and security forces.” It later said that India does not seek escalation and will show restraint if Pakistan reciprocates.

India’s Operation Sindoor

India launched Operation Sindoor on Wednesday, claiming it targeted “terrorist camps” rather than Pakistan’s Armed Forces or civilians.

“Our actions have been focused, measured, and non-escalatory in nature,” the Indian government said, adding that it has shown “considerable restraint in the selection of targets and method of execution.”

New Delhi said it struck nine suspected terrorist-linked sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Islamabad, however, claimed that 31 civilians were killed in the initial strike and called the operation an act of “unprovoked aggression,” vowing to respond accordingly.

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Initial causes of escalation

India said the operation was launched in response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam in India’s Jammu and Kashmir federal territory in late April that killed 26 tourists. The Resistance Front, believed to be linked to the Pakistani-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility.

Indian investigators said they identified the attackers’ planners and communication hubs connected to Pakistan. Islamabad denied having any involvement and called for an impartial probe.

International reaction

The Group of Seven nations urged both sides to exercise maximum restraint and “engage in direct dialogue towards a peaceful outcome.”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Pakistan’s army chief, General Asim Munir, and offered Washington’s help in defusing the crisis. However, US Vice President J.D. Vance said Washington would not intervene. He told Fox News the situation is “none of our business,” though he acknowledged concern over the risk of conflict between nuclear powers.

Iran and Bangladesh also urged restraint. The UK called for a “swift, diplomatic path forward,” while Russia urged both nations to resolve the conflict “through peaceful political and diplomatic means” and condemned terrorism in all forms.