Tensions between India and Pakistan have intensified following a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Indian defense officials report a significant Pakistani military buildup near the border, suggesting preparations for a large-scale assault.
In response, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held an emergency meeting with top military leaders, the Defense Minister, and the National Security Advisor to assess India's defense posture and strategic options.
According to NDTV, Colonel Sophia Qureshi, spokesperson for the Indian Armed Forces, stated that Pakistani troops are advancing toward frontline positions. "This clearly signals preparations for a major offensive," she said. However, she assured that India's armed forces are fully prepared to respond to any provocation.
On Friday night (May 9), India reportedly carried out missile strikes on three Pakistani airbases. Pakistan retaliated shortly afterwards and officially launched a counteroffensive dubbed Operation Bunyanuun Marsus—translated as "Wall of Lead"—in response to India's 'Operation Sindoor'.
Pakistani forces targeted areas in Jammu and Kashmir as well as the Beas region of Amritsar in Punjab, believed to house Indian stockpiles of BrahMos missiles. The Fatah-1 medium-range missile system was reportedly used in the attacks, according to Al Jazeera.
The BrahMos missile, developed jointly by India and Russia, is a supersonic cruise missile capable of being launched from land, air, sea, or submarine platforms, with a range of up to 800 kilometres.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed the retaliatory strikes, stating that the country had avenged attacks on innocent civilians. "Our forces have responded decisively to Indian aggression, targeting only military infrastructure used in the assaults," he said.
