At least 26 people, including a child, were killed early Wednesday after Indian forces fired missiles into multiple locations in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, escalating tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors to a critical level.

India said the strikes targeted infrastructure used by militant groups it claims were responsible for last month’s deadly attack on tourists in the Indian-controlled part of Kashmir. According to Indian officials, the operation was aimed at crippling cross-border militant activity they accuse Pakistan of supporting.

Pakistan swiftly condemned the strikes, calling them an unprovoked act of war. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif denounced the attack and warned that Pakistan would retaliate at a time of its choosing.

“Pakistan has every right to give a robust response to this act of war imposed by India, and a strong response is indeed being given,” Sharif said in a statement following an emergency meeting of the country’s National Security Committee.

In apparent retaliation, Pakistan claimed to have shot down several Indian fighter jets, with two reportedly crashing in villages located in India-controlled Kashmir. Indian police and medical officials reported that at least seven civilians were killed by Pakistani shelling in the area.

The contested region of Kashmir — claimed in full by both India and Pakistan but divided by a de facto border — has long been a flashpoint in their volatile relationship. This latest escalation follows a deadly assault on Indian tourists, which New Delhi alleges was orchestrated with support from Pakistan. Islamabad has firmly denied the allegation.

Despite the rising hostilities, there were tentative signs of de-escalation by late Wednesday. Pakistani media reported that airports in several major cities — including Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi — had reopened after being shut down overnight in response to the Indian strikes. However, Pakistani authorities did not immediately confirm the lifting of flight restrictions.

India and Pakistan have fought multiple wars and engaged in several skirmishes over Kashmir. The international community has repeatedly urged both sides to exercise restraint amid fears that further escalation could lead to open conflict between two nuclear powers.