India strikes multiple sites in response to terrorist threats

India and Pakistan have long been embroiled in a conflict over the Kashmir region, which has resulted in two wars and ongoing military tensions. Following the partition in 1947, the region's status was debated, leading to a war between India and Pakistan and subsequent interventions by the United Nations, which recommended a plebiscite to determine its future. Over the decades, there have been multiple conflicts, including the 1965 war and the Kargil conflict in 1999. The situation has been exacerbated by religious tensions, with a significant Muslim majority in the Indian-administered area. Since 1989, Kashmir has seen armed insurgencies against Indian rule, claiming tens of thousands of lives. Despite a ceasefire established in 2003, violence escalated again. In April 2025, a militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, including tourists, reigniting hostilities. In response, India launched airstrikes targeting sites believed to host terrorists planning attacks against India. This action was condemned by Pakistan, which asserted that the strikes resulted in civilian casualties, calling it an act of war. Internationally, there have been calls for peace, including from U.S. President Donald Trump, who expressed a desire to mediate between the two nations. He emphasized the importance of de-escalation and offered assistance to facilitate talks. However, the history of conflict and the deep-seated issues related to the Kashmir dispute make the prospects for a peaceful resolution uncertain. Various groups within Kashmir continue to express dissent against Indian governance, with many seeking an end to Indian rule or a return to the political autonomy that was revoked in 2019. As the situation unfolds, both countries find themselves at a critical juncture. Continued military actions and public sentiments in Jammu and Kashmir and its implications on regional stability and international relations remain in focus. The cycle of violence and retaliation seems difficult to break in the absence of constructive dialogue, further complicating an already fragile situation.