Worst India-Pakistan Clashes in Decades Leave Dozens Dead After Missile Strikes
Tensions between India and Pakistan have reached a boiling point, with at least 34 people killed in the deadliest exchange of fire between the nuclear-armed neighbors in over 20 years. India launched missile strikes on what it called terrorist camps in Pakistan, killing 26 civilians, while Pakistan’s retaliation left at least eight Indians dead.
The violence follows a deadly April 22 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that claimed 26 lives, which New Delhi blamed on Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba. India’s military claimed it targeted nine “terrorist camps” in a “measured” response, while Pakistan accused Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi of using the strikes to boost his political standing.
Pakistan’s defence minister vowed swift retaliation, and its military claims to have downed five Indian jets. On the ground, civilians in both countries have been caught in the crossfire, with shelling reported across the Line of Control.
This marks the most serious escalation since the 2019 Balakot strikes, raising fresh fears of broader conflict between the long-time rivals.
