Indian Missiles Strike Across Pakistan Border, Resulting in Child’s Death, Officials Report

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — According to Pakistani security officials, India launched missiles into areas controlled by Pakistan, hitting at least three places early on Wednesday. These attacks resulted in the death of a child and injuries to two others. India claimed it was targeting facilities used by militants.

The nuclear-armed neighbors have seen escalating tensions following last month’s militant attack on tourists in the Indian-administered region of Kashmir. India has accused Pakistan of supporting the militants behind the attack, an allegation that Islamabad has refuted.

Officials reported that the missiles impacted areas within Pakistan-administered Kashmir and the eastern Punjab province. One missile hit a mosque in Bahawalpur, Punjab, leading to the unfortunate death of a child and injuring a woman and a man, an official noted.

The officials said Pakistan had launched retaliatory strikes, without providing any details. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media.

State-run Pakistan Television, quoting security officials, said Pakistan’s air force shot down two Indian jets but provided no additional details.

Pakistani army spokesman, Lt. Gen. Ahmad Sharif, told ARY News that the missiles were launched from within Indian territory and that no Indian aircraft had entered Pakistani airspace.

“This was a cowardly attack targeting innocent civilians under the cover of darkness,” Sharif told the broadcaster.

India’s Defense Ministry said in a statement Wednesday that at least nine sites were targeted “where terrorist attacks against India have been planned.”

“Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistan military facilities have been targeted,” the statement said, adding that “India has demonstrated considerable restraint in selection of targets and method of execution.”

“We are living up to the commitment that those responsible for this attack will be held accountable,” the statement said.

The Indian army in a post on the social media platform X wrote: “Justice is served.” It did not provide further details.