Pakistan Authorizes Military Retaliation After Indian Strikes Kill 26

Tensions have sharply escalated between India and Pakistan after India launched missile strikes on nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, which it described as targeted attacks on 'terrorist infrastructure' linked to a recent deadly assault on Hindu tourists in Indian Kashmir. The strikes killed at least 26 people, including several children, and injured dozens; Pakistan described the attacks as an 'act of war' and claimed civilian infrastructure was deliberately targeted, denying the existence of militant camps at the hit locations. In response, Pakistan has authorized its military to undertake 'corresponding' retaliatory actions, reserving the right to respond at a time and manner of its choosing. Both sides have exchanged artillery fire across the disputed Kashmir border, resulting in additional civilian casualties. India maintains its actions were 'focused, measured and non-escalatory,' while Pakistan insists the attacks were unprovoked and unjustified. The United Nations and world leaders have called for maximum restraint, warning against further escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.