Context:

India launched missiles into Pakistani-administered territories, resulting in at least 19 deaths and 38 injuries, amid escalating tensions over a recent militant attack in Kashmir. India claimed the strikes targeted militant infrastructure linked to the attack, while Pakistan condemned the actions as aggression against civilians and vowed a response. The strikes hit multiple locations, including Bahawalpur, where a mosque was struck, causing significant casualties. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif labeled the attacks cowardly and affirmed the nation's support for its armed forces. Amidst the conflict, both countries have taken retaliatory measures, including the expulsion of diplomats and airspace suspension, with international observers closely monitoring the situation.

Dive Deeper:

• India targeted at least five locations in Pakistani-administered territory, claiming to strike militant infrastructure linked to the previous month's attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir, which India holds Pakistan responsible for, despite Islamabad's denial.

• The missile strikes resulted in significant civilian casualties, including the deaths of women and children, particularly in Bahawalpur, where a mosque was hit, leading to 13 fatalities.

• Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the strikes as an act of cowardice and assured a befitting response, while emphasizing national unity with the armed forces.

• Residents in affected areas experienced loud explosions and power blackouts, while Pakistan's state-run media reported the shooting down of two Indian jets, although details remain sparse.

• India's Defense Ministry insisted that its actions were focused and non-escalatory, targeting terrorist sites without affecting Pakistani military facilities, and emphasized restraint in target selection.

• International reactions included President Trump's expression of regret over the situation, highlighting the historical context of Indo-Pakistani conflicts, while the U.S. State Department monitored developments without immediate assessment.

• In response to the crisis, both nations have engaged in diplomatic retaliation, suspending airspace usage and halting a critical water-sharing treaty, as tensions continue to rise.