What We Know About India's Strike on Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir

Background

• Published by Flora Drury for BBC News on 7 May 2025.
• Follows a militant attack on 22 April in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 25 Indians and one Nepali national.
• India launched "Operation Sindoor" targeting sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

India's Justification

• India’s defense ministry stated the strikes aim to hold accountable those responsible for the 22 April attack.
• Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to punish the attackers, though no specific group has been named by India.
• India accused Pakistan of supporting militants, a claim Pakistan denies.

Pakistan's Response

• Pakistan denies involvement in the April attack, calling India’s strikes "unprovoked."
• Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the strikes as a "heinous act of aggression."
• Pakistan claims to have shot down five Indian aircraft and a drone, with no response from India.

Casualties

• Pakistan states that eight civilians were killed in the strikes.
• India reports three civilians killed by Pakistani shelling in Indian-administered Kashmir.

Target Locations

• India targeted nine locations in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Pakistan, described as "terrorist infrastructure."
• Indian claims avoid targeting Pakistani military facilities.
• Pakistan reports civilian areas such as Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and Bahawalpur were hit.

Historical Context

• Kashmir, claimed by both India and Pakistan, has been a focal point of conflict since 1947.
• The region has experienced militant attacks since an armed insurgency began in 1989.
• Past significant attacks: 2016 Uri attack and 2019 Pulwama bombing, leading to cross-border strikes.

International Reaction

• Tensions have prompted international concern with calls for restraint.
• UN Chief Antonio Guterres and US President Donald Trump have urged for de-escalation.