Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated following a missile exchange, with India reportedly launching strikes on three Pakistani air bases. Pakistani military spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmad Sharif confirmed that while some missiles were intercepted, a few managed to reach their targets, including hitting areas within India’s eastern Punjab region.
Sharif claimed all assets of the Pakistan Air Force remain secure, emphasising that the missiles were aimed at the Nur Khan air base in Rawalpindi, the Murid air base in Chakwal, and the Rafiqui air base in the Jhang district. He further stated that evidence exists showing that certain missiles even crossed into Afghanistan. The Indian strikes are interpreted by Sharif as an act of aggression, reflecting India’s growing paranoia in the face of perceived failures against Pakistan.
The ongoing military tension has deepened following severe exchanges of artillery fire between soldiers on both sides across the Kashmir front, leading to civilian casualties. India accuses Pakistan of supporting an attack on tourists in the Indian-administered region of Kashmir, a claim that Pakistan vehemently denies.
In the wake of these developments, India earlier conducted airstrikes on locations it identified as militant bases in Pakistan, resulting in civilian deaths according to Pakistani officials. The conflict has seen both nations claim they have shot down enemy aircraft, and there have been reports of drone activity as well. The Indian military reported that Pakistan launched a significant number of drones targeting various military installations, all of which they claim to have intercepted.
Sharif countered these drone claims, challenging India to present evidence of the alleged drone incursions, insisting that Pakistan has effectively neutralised any threats from its neighbour. The situation remains volatile, with both sides bolstering their military presence and engaging in fierce rhetoric, raising concerns of a broader conflict in the region.