CliffNotes
- India and Pakistan deadly strikes kill 31 in Pakistan, 15 killed in India
- India hit first blaming Pakistan for a deadly attack on tourists last month
- India and Pakistan leaders mulling over what to do next
Tensions high amid India and Pakistan deadly strikes
What Happened
India and Pakistan’s deadly strikes have left tensions high in the region as the leaders of both countries decide what their next move should be.
India struck first, they claim that the attack on Pakistan was in response to the killing of 26 people – mostly Indian tourists – who died in April when gunmen opened fire at t popular tourist spot in the India-administered part of Kashmir. India has blamed Pakistan for the attack, which Islamabad denies.
Dehli says it struck nine sites, whilst Pakistan said six locations were hit. Pakistan also claims it shot down five Indian jets and a drone, something India has not confirmed.
Pakistan said 31 people have been killed and at least 57 injured due to India’s attack. At least 15 people were killed in India due to Pakistan’s retaliatory strikes.
What Next
The Indian government is holding an all-party meeting to brief political leaders on the strike and has said if Pakistan strikes again they will respond.
Globally, everyone is nervous and has urged both sides to de-escalate.
Previous wars between the two countries have been bloody and although recent clashes have not exploded into an all-out war, both countries have strengthened their military and hold nuclear weapons. An all-out war would be devastating.
Reaction From The Media
- The Guardian says both Pakistan and India are on “high alert” as airports are shut down and security drills are underway in major cities.
- CNN says the pair are on the “brink of a wider conflict” and says world leaders are calling on both sides to de-escalate saying the strikes have raised the global alarm.
- CNBC says with tensions rising between India and Pakistan, China is benefiting as its defence stocks started to surge after Pakistan used China-made weapons to shoot down Indian jets.
- The Economist claims that all signs suggest the pair will de-escalate and back off a full-scale war but notes that the reason is mainly due to “luck” and the relations between the two are “increasingly unstable and dangerous.”
