Multiple explosions were reported in Pakistani-administered Kashmir on May 6, 2025, as the long-standing conflict between India and Pakistan reached a new level of intensity.
According to Reuters, witnesses in the region heard loud blasts, suggesting a military operation carried out by India in response to recent violence in Indian-administered Kashmir.
The strikes are the most significant military action between the two nuclear-armed nations in years, with both sides already accusing each other of provocative behavior.
This escalation follows an attack on April 22, in which gunmen killed 26 people, mostly Indian tourists, in Pahalgam, a popular spot in Indian-administered Kashmir.
The Latest Strikes and Their Impact
According to India, its military launched a series of precision strikes on May 7, targeting “terrorist infrastructure” in both Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
India’s Defense Ministry emphasized that these operations were meant to ensure accountability for the perpetrators behind the deadly Pahalgam attack. The specific targets in Pakistan, however, remain unclear.
Pakistan, on the other hand, described the Indian airstrikes as “an unprovoked and blatant act of war,” further intensifying the hostile rhetoric between the two nations.
Reports from Pakistani officials suggest that the attacks led to civilian casualties, with at least two people killed and twelve others wounded, including a child.
Pakistani military sources also claimed that five Indian aircraft, including French-made Rafale jets, were shot down in the course of the attack. These claims have not been independently verified, as tensions continue to mount over the control of Kashmir.
A History of Conflict and Retaliation
Kashmir has long been a point of contention between India and Pakistan. The region, divided by the Line of Control, remains claimed in full by both nations, leading to decades of military confrontations.
The most recent escalation follows the tragic killings of 26 civilians in Indian-controlled Kashmir in late April. While India blames Pakistan for harboring the militants responsible for the attack, Islamabad denies these accusations.
The Indian government has firmly stated that the strikes were a direct response to this act of terrorism, and India’s military forces are being lauded for their swift action.
Indian officials assert that no civilian, economic, or military targets were struck. According to India, only known terrorist camps were targeted in order to prevent further violence and ensure that those responsible for the massacre were held accountable.
The Indian military’s statement underscores the importance of maintaining a strong stance on national security and the fight against terrorism.
International Reactions and Growing Concerns
The military escalation has drawn significant attention from the international community. World leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and UN Secretary-General António Guterres, have expressed concern over the rapidly escalating situation.
Trump called for an end to the hostilities, acknowledging the ongoing rivalry between India and Pakistan but urging both sides to avoid further bloodshed.
Guterres similarly stressed the importance of diplomacy, warning that the conflict could easily spiral out of control if further military actions take place.
Despite the calls for de-escalation, both India and Pakistan remain deeply entrenched in their positions. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a strong advocate for national security, has faced mounting pressure to respond to the killings of Indian tourists.
His government’s response reflects the growing frustration with Pakistan’s perceived involvement in cross-border terrorism. As the two countries continue to exchange blows, the world watches closely, fearful of the consequences of a full-scale war.
The situation remains fluid, with both sides mobilizing their forces. As airspace over cities like Lahore and Karachi is closed and military operations continue, the stakes in the Kashmir conflict have never been higher.
