New Delhi, May 7, 2025 – The Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out a series of targeted air strikes early Tuesday morning across the Line of Control, striking multiple locations within Pakistani-administered Kashmir as part of what officials termed as an act of “preemptive defense” against imminent threats.
India’s Ministry of Defence issued a statement outlining how air strikes were launched to destroy “terror launchpads and hostile military installations” being used to facilitate cross-border infiltration and attacks on Indian forces located in Jammu and Kashmir.
Intelligence reports revealed the buildup of militant infrastructure across the border that poses a direct threat to Indian security. Acting in self-defense and upholding national sovereignty, Indian Armed Forces responded accordingly,” according to their statement.
At 4:00 AM local time, Pakistan-administered Kashmir saw attacks beginning which targeted locations such as Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and the Neelum Valley area of Pakistan-controlled Kashmir. Witnesses in these locations reported hearing multiple explosions as well as aircraft flying at low altitude.
Pakistani forces confirmed Indian jets had crossed the LoC, yet quickly responded by intercepting and downing several aircraft. Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) accused India of violating international norms by attacking unprovoked on its territory and warned: “We reserve our right to respond at a time and place of our choosing,” in a televised statement issued by ISPR.
Civilian casualties and infrastructure damages are still being assessed, though initial reports indicate at least several homes in Neelum Valley area experienced damage as a result of airstrikes.
The recent escalation has caused alarm both regionally and globally. The United Nations called for “maximum restraint” and highlighted the necessity of immediate dialogue to maintain peace. U.S. and European diplomats have reached out to both governments, encouraging de-escalation.
India and Pakistan have engaged in multiple wars and military skirmishes since their partition in 1947. Tensions along the LoC are often an area of contention; this latest incident marks one of the most intense confrontations since 2019 Balakot air strikes.
After meeting with top security officials following the operation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the public and stated: “India strives for peace, but when national security is threatened we will act decisively. This was an essential and limited operation that targeted specific threats posed to military objectives without harming civilians or infrastructure unrelated to military objectives.”
Pakistan reportedly deployed both its air and ground forces on high alert, prompting both nations to exchange heated rhetoric that has raised global alarm that further escalated violence could plunge South Asia further into crisis.