The Indian armed forces carried out missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, including the Jaish-e-Mohammad stronghold of Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba's base in Muridke.

India launched strikes on Pakistan and Pakistani Kashmir on Wednesday, an assault Pakistan has called a "blatant act of war" as tensions escalate between the arch rivals after a deadly attack on tourists in Indian Kashmir.

Relations between India and Pakistan have long been marked by conflict, diplomatic hostilities, and deep-seated distrust, especially over Kashmir. For decades, armed rebels in Kashmir have opposed Indian rule, with many Muslim Kashmiris advocating to join Pakistan or establish an independent state.