Mutual Accusations of Drone Strikes Intensify Conflict
On Thursday, Pakistan and India accused each other of launching drone attacks, with Pakistan’s defense minister stating that retaliations were becoming “increasingly secure.” This marked the second day of intense clashes between the neighboring countries.
Pakistan Claims to Have Shot Down 25 Indian Drones
Pakistan asserted that it had downed 25 drones originating from India, while India announced that its air defense systems had thwarted Pakistani drone and missile attacks targeting military objectives, frustrating hopes of an imminent end to their worst confrontation in over two decades.
Global Powers Call for Calm in Nuclear-Armed Region
World powers, including the United States, Russia, and China, have urged for calm in one of the world’s most dangerous and populated regions with nuclear weapons.
Background of the Conflict
The tensions between India and Pakistan have been marked by hostility since their independence from Britain in 1947. The countries have fought three wars, two of which were over Kashmir, and have frequently clashed.
Both nations claim the entire region of Kashmir and govern parts of it. They independently acquired nuclear weapons in the 1990s, adding another layer of complexity to their longstanding dispute.
India’s Response to Pakistani Aggression
According to India’s Defense Ministry, Pakistan attempted to strike several military targets in northern and western India between the night of Wednesday and Thursday morning. However, these attacks were “neutralized” by India’s air defense systems.
In retaliation, Indian forces targeted radars and air defense systems in various Pakistani locations on Thursday, as per the Defense Ministry. “India’s response has been in the same domain and with the same intensity as Pakistan,” they added.
Casualties and Claims
India’s Defense Ministry accused Pakistan of escalating the intensity of its cross-border firings along the Line of Control, the de facto border in Kashmir. Sixteen people, including five children and three women, died on the Indian side, according to the statement.
Pakistan claims that at least 31 civilians died and around 50 were injured in India’s Wednesday attacks and subsequent bombings in Kashmir. Meanwhile, India asserts that 13 of its civilians perished and 59 were wounded.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current conflict between India and Pakistan about? The recent escalation stems from a terrorist attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir on April 22, which India claims was supported by Pakistan. In response, India conducted drone strikes against what it calls terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan.
- What have both countries accused each other of doing? Both India and Pakistan have accused each other of launching drone attacks. Pakistan claims to have shot down 25 Indian drones, while India states that its air defense systems successfully countered Pakistani drone and missile attacks.
- How have global powers responded to the situation? Major world powers, including the United States, Russia, and China, have called for calm in the region, emphasizing the need to avoid further escalation given its nuclear status.
- What is the history of tensions between India and Pakistan? The hostility between India and Pakistan dates back to their independence from Britain in 1947. The countries have fought three wars, including two over Kashmir, and have experienced numerous confrontations since then.
- What are the claims regarding casualties? India reports that 16 people, including five children and three women, died on its side due to Pakistani aggression. Pakistan claims that at least 31 civilians died and around 50 were injured in India’s attacks and subsequent bombings in Kashmir.
