Following the Pakistan-based terror attack inside Indian-controlled territory, India struck back inside Pakistan and Pakistan-controlled territory with missiles to hit jihadi targets. India hoped that would end this crisis without further losses. Pakistan claims to be the aggrieved party.
India took its time preparing a counter-strike:
In a dramatic overnight operation, India said it launched missile and air strikes on nine sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, targeting what it called militant positions based on "credible intelligence".
India used missiles with no aircraft entering Pakistani air space to avoid losing a plane or risking Pakistan capturing crew.
Pakistan is making noises that it will "retaliate" but has already said it shot down five Indian aircraft. Perhaps cooler heads will prevail and Pakistan will accept a defensive victory that it already claimed.
Or maybe Pakistan will act like a military bleeding its host (with a UN seat) and try to restore its popularity with what it hopes will be a short and glorious military confrontation with India.
If your pucker factor relaxed during the time between the terror attack and retaliation, please restore it to its fully upright and locked position.
UPDATE: While it is comforting to think these two enemies who border on each other can't go for the kill because of nukes, you never can tell when one side will believe it can carry out a disarming nuclear first strike on the enemy's nukes or command-and-control to win a final, decisive victory.
UPDATE: Thank you to India for striking the group in Pakistan responsible for Daniel Pearl's murder. I know, terrorists who killed America getting refuge in Pakistan of all places! Weird, huh?
UPDATE: So far the two sides are throwing elbows:
Indian and Pakistani forces have again engaged in exchanges of fire on their heavily guarded border.
India seems to want this to end. Does Pakistan agree? Or is it preparing a big response?
UPDATE: I stand corrected, while there is no indication that Pakistan shot down five Indian fighters, Pakistan did have a success:
A Chinese-made Pakistani fighter plane shot down at least two Indian military aircraft on Wednesday, two U.S. officials told Reuters, marking a potential major milestone for Beijing's advanced fighter jet.
The story calls it a dogfight, but it sounds more like an ambush with no maneuvering and shooting by both sides. Clearly, the Indian fighters weren't far enough inside their own territory when they launched their ground attack missiles.
The story admits details are scanty but indulges in a lot of speculation about the impact of an actual dogfight between Western and Chinese planes and air-to-air missiles.
Still, maybe that aerial success is enough for Pakistan not to risk more. Maybe.
UPDATE: Nope: the fighting continues:
India and Pakistan accused each other of attacking military sites overnight, as tensions between the nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours intensified.
India is still using its aircraft. The form of Pakistan's attacks is unclear.
India claims Pakistan is moving ground troops closer to the border. Which unfortunately prudent if India's Cold Start doctrine is still active.
UPDATE: Perhaps each side needed an excuse to step back:
Amid escalating conflict and accusations of continued strikes, India and Pakistan have agreed to a cease-fire after U.S.-led talks.
Fingers crossed.
NOTE: TDR Winter War of 2022 coverage continues here.
NOTE: You may also like to read my posts on Substack, at The Dignified Rant: Evolved. Go ahead and subscribe to it. You know you want to.
NOTE: The image of Pakistanis dutifully lighting a defaced Indian flag after India's strikes is from the Time link.
