India Launches Strikes on Pakistani Targets: Eyewitnesses Recount the Aftermath
In a recent escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan, Indian forces have launched a series of strikes on targets in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The BBC has spoken to eyewitnesses who recount the devastating impact of the attacks, which have left dozens injured and widespread destruction in their wake.
According to Muhammad Younis Shah, a resident of Muridke in Pakistan’s Punjab province, four missiles fired by India fell on an educational complex in the area. The complex, which houses a school, college, hostel, medical centre, and mosque, has been partially damaged in the attack. Shah described the scene to the BBC, saying that the first three missiles landed in quick succession, while a fourth came after an interval of five to seven minutes. "The complex also has a residential area where some families live," Shah added.
Rescue workers, fire brigade personnel, and policemen are currently present in the area, which is gripped by fear and panic. Shah told the BBC that all the people in the vicinity have moved to a safer location. The attack has caused significant damage to the complex, with several buildings partially destroyed.
The strikes have not been limited to Muridke. In Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, a mosque has been destroyed in an Indian attack. Muhammad Waheed, a resident of the area, told the BBC that he was asleep when the first explosion shook his house. "I ran out onto the road where people had already gathered," he said. "Before we could figure out what was happening, three more missiles were fired, causing widespread panic and chaos."
Waheed described the aftermath of the attack, saying that dozens of people, including women, have been injured and taken to a nearby hospital. "I don’t understand why our local mosque was targeted," he said. "This was a normal neighbourhood mosque where we prayed five times a day. We never saw any suspicious activity around it." The attack has left the community on edge, with many people fleeing their homes and uncertainty gripping the area.
The BBC has obtained images of the destruction caused by the strikes, including a photograph of a collapsed building at the educational complex in Muridke. The images show the extent of the damage, with buildings partially destroyed and debris scattered throughout the area.
As the situation continues to unfold, the BBC will provide updates on the developing story. The strikes have raised concerns about the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, and the potential for further conflict in the region. The international community is watching the situation closely, with many countries calling for restraint and diplomacy to resolve the crisis.
In a statement, the BBC’s Urdu service confirmed that it had spoken to eyewitnesses in the affected areas, who described the devastating impact of the strikes. The BBC has a long history of reporting on conflicts and crises around the world, and its journalists are experienced in gathering and verifying information in complex and rapidly changing situations.
The situation in Pakistan-administered Kashmir remains fluid and uncertain, with many residents on edge and unsure of what the future holds. As the BBC continues to monitor the situation, it is clear that the strikes have had a profound impact on the local community, causing widespread destruction and displacement.
The Pakistani government has issued a statement condemning the attacks, and vowing to take all necessary measures to protect its citizens. The Indian government has not commented on the strikes, but it is understood to be on high alert in anticipation of further retaliation.
This is a developing story, and the BBC will provide updates as more information becomes available.
The residents have expressed fears that their region may be plunged into further uncertainty. Local residents recount that they have seen an influx of military personnel and equipment in the region.
This recent escalation has raised fears of a potential full-blown conflict between the two nations. As the situation continues to unfold, residents are advised to stay indoors and follow all instructions from local authorities.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
According to local reports, Indian and Pakistani forces have been exchanging fire across the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir for several days.
This fragile ceasefire has been in place since 2002, and is often breached.
