Tensions between India and Pakistan have reached a breaking point. A deadly terror attack in Pehelgam, Jammu and Kashmir, sparked a fierce response from India. Now, both nations are exchanging missiles in a dangerous show of force.
India launched missile strikes on three major Pakistani air bases on May 6, around midnight. These strikes hit locations in and near Pakistan-administered Kashmir. But in a shocking twist, Pakistan claims six of the missiles landed inside India itself — in the state of Punjab.
Pakistan Confirms Missile Hits on Air Bases
Pakistan’s DG ISI, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, confirmed the news. Speaking to Al Jazeera, he said India targeted three air bases: Nur Khan in Rawalpindi, Rafiqui in Sargodha, and Moraid in Chakwal.
According to the Pakistani official, their defense system managed to stop the strike on the vital Nur Khan base. This air base is used by top Pakistani leaders and foreign diplomats. Just a day before the attack, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir landed there on a diplomatic visit.
Still, some missiles broke through. “India used air-to-surface missiles,” Chaudhry said. “They fired from planes aiming to destroy our bases.”
India’s Missiles Land in Its Own Territory
General Chaudhry claimed India’s strike did not go as planned. Six of its missiles, he said, crashed in India’s own Punjab state. These missiles were launched from Adampur in Jalandhar.
“One missile hit Adampur itself,” he said. “The other five landed in Amritsar.”
He added that this area is home to a large Sikh population. “India is trying to target its own minorities. This was not a mistake,” he alleged.
Pakistan Closes Airspace and Plans Response
After the missile strikes, Pakistan shut down its airspace from midnight until Saturday afternoon. They are now preparing a major response.
Lieutenant General Chaudhry warned that Pakistan will not stay silent. “We will strike back, and India should be ready,” he said.
He also claimed that India is carrying out these attacks to stir internal unrest. By targeting Punjab, he believes India is trying to send a message to the Sikh community.
Heavy Losses on Both Sides
Over the last two days, reports say both nations have launched drones and missiles. Damage has been reported on both sides. Exact numbers of deaths or injuries have not been shared yet.
This is one of the most serious escalations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors in years. The world is now watching closely.
India Yet to Respond
India has not yet made an official statement on the missile strikes or Pakistan’s claims. The Indian Defence Ministry and the Ministry of External Affairs have remained silent so far.
Meanwhile, global powers are urging calm. Saudi Arabia and the United States have called for both countries to avoid war and return to talks.
The situation between India and Pakistan is now on a knife’s edge. One wrong move could trigger a full-blown war. As missiles fly across borders and both countries dig in, the region — and the world — waits nervously.
