The conflict between India and Pakistan dramatically escalated on Saturday morning, as Indian forces attacked three Pakistani air bases, including one near the capital Islamabad.
Pakistan immediately retaliated, launching counterattacks with drones and other ammunitions on Indian territory.
The spokesperson for the Pakistani army announced on national television that the air bases Nour Khan, Mourid, and Chorkot were targeted by Indian missiles, warning that a response would follow. According to sources from Pakistani security services, the retaliation did not delay in appearing, as reported by AFP.
The Indian army confirmed being attacked by drones at multiple points along the western border, while witnesses from Srinagar, the main city in Indian Kashmir, reported loud explosions.
The situation is alarming as it involves two nuclear powers, and the clashes have already caused approximately 50 civilian casualties in both countries. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urgently convened the National Command Authority, the body responsible for decisions regarding the country's nuclear arsenal.
The current confrontation started on Wednesday when India launched attacks on Pakistani territory in retaliation for a bombing on April 22 in Indian Kashmir, which resulted in 26 deaths. Since then, rocket attacks, artillery fires, and drone strikes have intensified, and India has closed 24 airports.
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The G7 countries have called for "immediate de-escalation" and "utmost restraint" from both states, warning that the military escalation seriously threatens regional stability. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio offered U.S. mediation to initiate a constructive dialogue.
While officials intensify their rhetoric, civilians suffer. "Our lives are worth nothing, entire families can disappear at any moment," said a resident of Indian Kashmir, as millions of children are unable to attend school due to the conflict.