As of May 7, 2025, India and Pakistan are experiencing a significant military escalation, marking one of the most severe confrontations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors in recent years.
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โ๏ธ Overview of the Conflict
Triggering Event: On April 22, a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, primarily Hindu tourists. The Resistance Front, linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility. India accused Pakistan of supporting the attackers, an allegation Pakistan denies.
Operation Sindoor: In retaliation, India launched "Operation Sindoor" on May 6, targeting nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistani-administered Kashmir, including areas in Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and Bahawalpur. India stated these were terrorist infrastructure sites, while Pakistan reported civilian casualties, including children.
Pakistan's Response: Pakistan retaliated with missile strikes into Indian-administered Kashmir, claiming to have shot down five Indian aircraft and destroyed an Indian brigade headquarters. India confirmed the loss of three aircraft but did not acknowledge the destruction of a brigade HQ.
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๐ซ Impact on Civil Aviation
The conflict has disrupted international air travel, with several Asian airlines rerouting or canceling flights to avoid Pakistani airspace. Over 50 flights were canceled, and more than two dozen were diverted. Airlines affected include EVA Air, Korean Air, Thai Airways, Vietnam Airlines, and China Airlines.
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๐ International Reactions
The international community has expressed concern over the escalating tensions. The United Nations, United States, United Kingdom, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have urged both nations to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue to prevent further escalation.
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โ ๏ธ Nuclear Tensions
Both India and Pakistan possess nuclear arsenals, with India holding approximately 164 warheads and Pakistan around 170. The current escalation has raised fears of a potential nuclear confrontation, prompting calls.