The escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan has reached a new peak, with Pakistani forces claiming to have successfully attacked an Indian airfield in the Jammu and Kashmir town of Birnala, destroying three outposts and a brigade headquarters. The actions were part of Pakistan’s large-scale military operation Banyan-ul-Marsus (Strong Wall), launched in response to perceived provocations by India. The threat of a full-scale war between the nuclear powers has alarmed the world, while diplomatic efforts have failed to yield results.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations of the Pakistani Armed Forces, the attacks targeted military installations in Indian-administered Kashmir. The Birnal airfield was completely destroyed, Pakistani sources said, including several helicopters and fighter jets stationed there. Pakistani television channel Geo TV also reported the destruction of an Indian brigade headquarters in the village of Bhimber Gali in Poonch district, which Islamabad said had caused significant damage to the enemy’s command structure. On the X platform, users are circulating unconfirmed footage purportedly showing smoke over Birnal and destroyed military installations. India has not yet confirmed the extent of the losses, but The Times of India reports that the region is on high alert and local authorities are evacuating residents of border areas.

The conflict erupted after the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack, when militants linked to the Resistance Front group killed 26 tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir. India accused Pakistan of supporting the terrorists and on May 7 launched Operation Sindoor, launching missile strikes on nine targets in Pakistan, including militant training camps. Pakistan, denying involvement in the attack, responded with artillery shelling and, according to the BBC, shot down five Indian fighter jets, including three Rafales, in the region’s biggest air battle in decades. At least 50 people, including civilians, have been killed since the escalation began, with more than 100 injured, according to Reuters.

Pakistan has taken strict measures to protect its territory. According to Samaa TV, the country's airspace has been closed for 48 hours, paralyzing air traffic. Border cities such as Lahore and Sialkot have been placed under curfew and schools have been closed. India, for its part, has suspended operations at 32 airports until May 15, citing the threat of attacks. According to Bloomberg, the economic impact of the conflict is already being felt: the Indian stock market is declining and the Pakistani rupee is rapidly weakening.

The humanitarian situation in Kashmir is catastrophic. According to The Guardian, power outages have been reported in Srinagar and Jammu, and hospitals are overwhelmed with victims. The International Red Cross reports shortages of medicines and difficulties in delivering humanitarian aid due to blocked roads. Images of the destruction are circulating on social media, highlighting the scale of the tragedy for the civilian population.