Tensions between India and Pakistan in the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir have reached a critical point after a series of mutual attacks, including Pakistan's destruction of an Indian airfield and the death of a senior military official. The conflict, fueled by a long-running territorial dispute, threatens to escalate into a full-scale war between the two nuclear powers, despite international calls for de-escalation.

A Pakistani strike in Jammu and Kashmir has killed five people, including a senior Indian army officer whose name has not been released, the Indian news agency PTI reported. The attack was part of a larger operation in which Pakistani forces destroyed an airfield in the town of Birnala, three check posts and a brigade headquarters in Bhimber Gali village in Poonch district, according to Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations. Pakistan claims the airfield was carrying helicopters and fighter jets, which were also destroyed. Videos purportedly showing smoke over Birnala have been circulating on Platform X, although their authenticity has not yet been confirmed.

India, for its part, accuses Pakistan of using a supersonic missile to attack an airbase in Punjab state, which the Indian military says damaged infrastructure. According to The Guardian, the Indian army has begun moving additional forces to the Line of Control in anticipation of further escalation. Pakistan is also increasing its military presence, strengthening its positions in border areas. According to Geo TV, Islamabad has deployed Chinese JF-17 fighter jets and HQ-9 air defense systems to protect its airspace.

The escalation follows a conflict that began after a suicide bombing in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, when militants from the Resistance Front group killed 26 tourists. India accused Pakistan of supporting the terrorists and launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, launching missile strikes on Pakistan’s Nur Khan, Murid and Shorkot air bases. According to Reuters, the attacks killed 24 people, including civilians. Pakistan responded with artillery strikes and, according to the BBC, shot down five Indian aircraft, including three Rafales, and destroyed an S-400 air defense system, something India has not confirmed.

Indian authorities have denied reports of the destruction of the S-400 Triumph air defense system in Adampur, calling them “baseless.” According to The Times of India, the system remains fully operational and is being used to defend against Pakistani missiles, including the Fath-II intercepted in Haryana. India has also closed 32 airports until May 15, while Pakistan has imposed a 48-hour flight ban, which has crippled air travel and dealt a blow to both countries’ economies, according to Bloomberg.