Pakistani armed forces have reported retaliatory strikes against military sites within India, following Indian missile attacks on three Pakistani air bases. This exchange marks a dangerous escalation between the two nuclear powers.

According to Pakistani military officials, India’s initial strikes on the three air bases in Pakistan occurred on Saturday, with most missiles reportedly intercepted. 

This recent exchange intensifies the conflict between the two nations, which India claims was triggered by a mass shooting they attribute to Pakistan.

In a televised address, Lt. Gen. Ahmad Sharif, the Pakistani army spokesman, assured the public that the country’s air force assets were secure. 

Sharif also stated that some Indian missiles landed in India’s eastern Punjab region. As of now, there has been no response from India.

“This constitutes a major provocation,” Sharif stated.

Sharif identified the targets as Rawalpindi, a garrison city; Murid air base in Chakwal city; and Rafiqui air base in the Jhang district of eastern Punjab province. 

He added that some missiles also landed in Afghanistan. 

“I want to share the alarming news that India launched six ballistic missiles from Adampur,” Sharif said. He claimed one missile struck Adampur itself, while the other five hit the Amritsar area in Indian Punjab.

Earlier in the week, Pakistan claimed to have downed over two dozen drones.

Relations between the two countries have deteriorated further after an attack in a popular tourist area in India-controlled Kashmir resulted in 26 deaths. 

The majority of the victims were Hindu tourists. India accuses Pakistan of involvement, an accusation Pakistan denies.