The initial spark for the recent confrontation between India and Pakistan originates from a terrorist attack on the Indian-controlled side of Kashmir on April 22. India responded by launching a cross-border military operation, pointing towards Pakistan’s history of harboring terror groups. This escalated into four successive nights of skirmishes, instances of which are unprecedented due to the scale of territory intrusion and the novel escalation facilitated by modern technology.
Damage assessments from the clashes remain to be completed, especially hampered by media restrictions and rampant misinformation. However, we know the following:
The first airstrikes by India targeted enemy territory deeper than seen in decades, seemingly aiming at bases associated with terrorist groups. This initial success was marred by Pakistan’s robust defense leading to the loss of Indian aircraft, including some of its advanced fighter jets.
On the second day, as diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions intensified, India repelled a purported overnight Pakistani mission targeting numerous military installations across several bordering cities and towns. In return, India targeted sensitive Pakistani military assets, including air defense systems in Lahore. Such a move is considered highly provocative and is seen as a prelude to more severe actions.
The events of early Thursday morning remain shrouded in uncertainty. It is unclear whether Pakistan was conducting reconnaissance missions or preparing for a larger scale response, but the magnitude of actions and the subsequent Indian response showed a significant shift in the conflict’s pattern.
Pakistan’s official stance denied any actions during the second night, leaving possibilities that it was either a reconnaissance or an initial retaliation that failed to achieve its goals. Regardless, India exploited the opportunity to cause significant damage to Pakistani military sites, resulting in Pakistan’s vow of retaliation.
The conflict spiraled into a full-blown air war during the following nights, with Pakistan initiating massive drone and missile strikes against Indian military bases across various cities. India also inflicted substantial damage to Pakistani airfields and defense systems, including areas near Pakistan’s crucial strategic headquarters.
The United States, alarmed by the escalating strikes on strategic sites and the potential next steps in this rapid escalation by two nuclear-armed countries, intensified efforts for a cease-fire that was announced late on Saturday.
While the extent of the damages and exact scores are yet to be ascertained, the conflict might have marked a shift towards non-contact warfare in this region. The emphasis is on long-distance barrages rather than direct confrontation, yet still harboring the risk of escalation and potentially, the loss of restraint. The proliferation of advanced technology, including drones and loitering munitions, although promising more precise targeting and reduced human costs, actually propelled a cycle of escalation that reignited fears of nuclear weapon usage.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/11/world/asia/india-pakistan-what-we-know.html
