India launched missiles deep into Pakistan in a major escalation following the Kashmir tourist massacre. Pakistan claims it downed 5 Indian fighter jets.
• Deadly missile attack: India said its “Operation Sindoor” struck “terrorist infrastructure” in both Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, a major escalation pushing
the rivaling neighbors to the brink of a wider conflict. Pakistan’s military said the attack killed at least 26 civilians, according to Reuters.
• Downed planes: Pakistan claimed it shot down five Indian Air Force jets and a drone. India has not confirmed the fighter jet losses. Pakistani security sources said three of the five planes downed were Rafale fighter jets — prized assets of the Indian Air Force bought from a French manufacturer.
• Tourist massacre: Wednesday’s escalation comes after gunmen massacred more than two dozen civilians, mostly tourists, in Indian-controlled Kashmir last month. India accused Pakistan of being involved, which Islamabad denied.
• Kashmir dispute: India, which has a Hindu majority, and Pakistan, which is mostly Muslim, each control parts of Kashmir but claim it in full and have fought three wars over the territory.