• Latest exchanges: The weeks-long confrontation between India and Pakistan escalated further on Saturday, with Islamabad launching a military operation in retaliation to what it said were Indian strikes on its military bases overnight. India’s military said it “effectively countered and responded” to Pakistan’s operation.
• Kashmir massacre: Heightened tension between the neighboring states was sparked by the massacre of tourists last month in Indian-controlled Kashmir. In response, India launched “Operation Sindoor” Wednesday in both Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir and said it was targeting a “terrorist infrastructure.”
• US offers to mediate: Washington’s top diplomat Marco Rubio offered US mediation in the escalating conflict while speaking separately with his counterparts in both countries, according to the State Department.
• A history of tension: Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan each control parts of Kashmir but claim it in full and have fought three wars over the territory.
