In a grave escalation between nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan, Indian missile strikes targeted several cities across Pakistan late Wednesday night, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The attacks came in response to a recent deadly incident involving Indian tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir, which New Delhi attributes to Pakistan-based militants. The strikes hit civilian areas and religious sites, sparking outrage in Pakistan.
In Ahmadpur East, Bahawalpur, four missiles destroyed Subhan Mosque and nearby homes, killing five people—including a 3-year-old girl—and injuring 31 others. In Muzaffarabad, Bilal Mosque was struck by seven missiles, injuring a young girl and razing the structure. Kotli’s Abbots Mosque was hit by five missiles, killing two teens and injuring a mother and her daughter. In Muridke, four missiles destroyed another mosque, leaving one person dead, one injured, and two missing. Economic losses were also reported due to damage to a local pottery industry.
READ MORE: India’s Overnight Strikes Kill 26 Pakistani Civilians, Including Children and Women: ISPR
Kotli Loharan in Sialkot and a local dispensary near Shakargarh were also hit, but with minimal or unconfirmed casualties. Pakistan’s military confirmed six locations were targeted and dismissed Indian claims that the strikes aimed at terrorist infrastructure. ISPR Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry condemned the strikes as unprovoked and accused India of targeting the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project, questioning the legality of attacking water infrastructure. Pakistan retaliated by reportedly shooting down five Indian fighter jets.
While India has not confirmed the aircraft losses, Reuters reported crashes involving three jets, with pilots hospitalized. This latest confrontation marks the most serious military escalation between the two nations in over two decades, raising global concerns of a wider conflict.
