The Indian Air Force launched a series of airstrikes on nine locations inside Pakistan and in Indian-administered Kashmir, in what New Delhi called “Operation Sindoor.” The strikes came in response to a deadly attack that targeted tourists in Indian Kashmir, killing 26 people.

The Indian government stated that the strikes targeted “terrorist infrastructure” belonging to groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, and emphasized that the operations were precise, deliberately avoiding Pakistani military installations.

Pakistan, for its part, condemned the attacks as unjustified acts of aggression and announced it had shot down five Indian jets. At least eight civilians, including children, were reported killed, with dozens more injured. Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari vowed a “strong and decisive response,” while the Pakistani military launched counter air and ground operations.

The international community expressed deep concern over the escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, warning of the potential outbreak of a broader regional conflict, as tensions in Kashmir have been steadily rising since the beginning of the year.