Pakistan Accuses India of Missile Strikes in Kotli, Muzaffarabad and Bahawalpur; Vows Retaliation

Pakistan on Wednesday accused India of launching missile strikes into its territory, targeting areas in Kotli, Muzaffarabad, and Bahawalpur, prompting a sharp response from the Pakistani military.

According to Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, spokesperson for the Pakistan Armed Forces, the missiles were fired from Indian airspace and were aimed at multiple locations inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).

"Let me say it unequivocally: Pakistan will respond to this at a time and place of its own choosing. This heinous provocation will not go unanswered," Chaudhry warned.

He added that Pakistan's air force responded swiftly, activating its defense systems and ensuring that no Indian aircraft breached Pakistani airspace.

The strikes have significantly escalated tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, with Pakistan calling India's action a direct provocation.

India Confirms 'Operation Sindoor', Targets 9 Terror Sites

Shortly after Pakistan's claims, the Indian Armed Forces confirmed it had launched 'Operation Sindoor', describing it as a focused and calibrated military action aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure used to plan attacks against India.

"A little while ago, the Indian Armed Forces launched 'Operation Sindoor', hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir," read a statement from India's Ministry of Defence.

India said nine sites were targeted and clarified that no Pakistani military facilities were hit. It emphasised the non-escalatory nature of the action, adding:

"India has demonstrated considerable restraint in selection of targets and method of execution."

The strikes were carried out in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 25 Indians and one Nepali national. India called the attack "barbaric" and said it was committed to holding those responsible accountable.

A detailed briefing from the Indian government on the objectives and impact of Operation Sindoor is expected later today.