India and Pakistan accused each other of attacking military sites as tensions intensified between nuclear-armed South Asian neighbors.
India said on Saturday it launched air strikes on Pakistani military devices in response to a series of cross-border attacks involving drones and artillery.
Indian Army spokesman Vyomika Singh told reporters in New Delhi that Indian fighter jets have fired precise guidance weapons at targets including command and control centers, radar sites and arsenals.
Pakistan said its troops repelled three Indian strikes at military bases in Punjab, causing no casualties or damage. In retaliation, it launched a counterattack, with Islamabad claiming to destroy several Indian facilities, including advanced air defense systems.
The Pakistani military said in a statement that it targeted the Indian town of Adampur and used Hypersonic missiles to destroy the $1.5 billion “S-400 system”.
Indian media objected to the claim, with Indian Express citing a military source saying the system was not hit. Hypersonic missiles are considered particularly difficult to intercept due to their speed and maneuverability.
An Indian Army spokesman also pushed back, calling Pakistan's account of the incident “error”. Singh further claimed that the observation of Pakistani forces entering the forward position near the border “indicating the intention of the offensive to further escalate the situation”.
Singh added: “The Indian armed forces reaffirmed their commitment to non-propaganda as long as the Pakistani army is back and forth.”
Earlier, the Indian Ministry of Defense condemned Pakistan’s so-called “continuous escalation”, citing the landings of multiple drones earlier on Saturday and described the incidents as a serious threat to national sovereignty and civilian security.
As a precautionary measure, India has closed 32 airports in its northern and western regions, until May 14, Pakistan has closed its space to all types of air traffic.
Meanwhile, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened the State Command on Saturday, which is responsible for nuclear policy and oversight.
The surge in hostilities comes weeks after the deadly terrorist attacks caused 26 people in India-managed Kashmir, most of whom are Indian tourists. India accused Pakistan of participating in the attack, and Islamabad denied it. Pakistan calls for an independent investigation.
Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Islamabad will remain open to peace if India stops its military operations.
In an interview with broadcaster Geo News, Dahl said he had spoken with U.S. Secretary of State Macro Rubio and told him that “the ball was in court in India.” He added: “War is not our priority, we really want peace without the hegemony of any country.”
Dahl said his negotiations with Rubio and other leaders, including Saudi Foreign Minister, were “positive” and expressed hope that dialogue with India could begin. When asked if the military channel has been used to downgrade the crisis, he confirmed: “Both sides exchange information.”
India and Pakistan control every part of the Kashmir region, but all claim it. The two competitors conducted nuclear tests in 1998, had fought several wars and were locked in a long-term missile and arms race.
