India launched airstrikes on Pakistan and Pakistani Kashmir after a deadly attack in Indian Kashmir killed 26 Hindu tourists, sparking the worst military clash in decades. Pakistan called it an "act of war" and claimed to have downed five Indian jets.

India launched airstrikes on Pakistan and Pakistani-controlled Kashmir on Wednesday in response to a deadly attack in Indian Kashmir that killed 26 Hindu tourists. The operation, dubbed "Operation Sindoor", targeted what India claimed were terror camps linked to groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. Indian officials said nine sites used for recruitment and weapons storage were hit with precision weapons to minimize civilian harm.

Pakistan, calling the strikes a "blatant act of war", reported that six civilian areas were targeted, killing 26 people and injuring 46. Pakistan also claimed to have downed five Indian jets, though India has not confirmed this. Local sources in Indian Kashmir reported three crashed jets and hospitalized pilots. Shelling continued across the de facto border in Kashmir.

The conflict disrupted regional air travel and led to school closures and states of emergency in affected areas. Markets in both countries dipped initially but partially recovered. U.N. officials arrived in Pakistani Kashmir to investigate, while world leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, and officials from China and Russia urged restraint and dialogue.

This marks the most severe confrontation between the nuclear-armed neighbors in over 20 years, raising fears of further escalation. Analysts warned the scale of India's operation could provoke a strong Pakistani response, potentially pushing the region into deeper crisis.

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