Military escalation between India and Pakistan: 34 dead in cross-border strikes

India and Pakistan exchanged military strikes late Tuesday to Wednesday, resulting in at least 34 civilian deaths on both sides in one of the most violent episodes in recent years between the two nuclear powers in South Asia.

The armies of the two neighboring countries exchanged artillery fire along their Kashmir border after Indian airstrikes targeted Pakistani territory in retaliation for the Bahalgam attack, which killed 25 Indian citizens and one Nepali national.

Indian Army spokesperson, Fiyomika Singh, stated in a press briefing that during the strikes, "nine terrorist camps were successfully destroyed," adding that these targets were carefully chosen to minimize any damage to civilian infrastructure or loss of civilian lives.

Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs official, Vikram Misri, emphasized that India's actions were "measured, not escalatory, proportionate, and responsible," focusing on dismantling terrorist infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Army spokesperson, General Ahmad Chaudhry, reported that Indian missiles struck six cities in Kashmir and Punjab, killing at least 26 civilians and injuring 46 others. The strikes also damaged the Neelum-Jhelum hydroelectric dam.

Indian media, citing local authorities, reported that eight people were killed and 29 injured in the border village of Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir.

This escalation represents a significant increase in tensions between the two countries, following the Bahalgam attack.

As the situation rapidly deteriorated, international calls for de-escalation intensified. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged both nations to exercise "utmost military restraint." He expressed "deep concern" over the actions, stressing that "the world cannot afford a military confrontation" between India and Pakistan.

U.S. President Donald Trump also expressed hopes that the conflict would end "very soon." National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes noted that U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, who spoke with Indian and Pakistani counterparts, "encouraged India and Pakistan to reopen a dialogue between their leaders to de-escalate the situation and prevent further escalation."

Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed "deep concern over the escalation of military confrontation" and called for both sides to exercise restraint to prevent further deterioration. It expressed hope for a resolution through "peaceful and diplomatic means."

Meanwhile, the UK expressed readiness to intervene to reduce tensions, while China signaled its willingness to play a "constructive role" in easing the tensions between the two countries.