Indian forces entered the Pakistan-administered Kashmir region and carried out multiple "surgical strikes" on extremist positions on Wednesday (28 September) night. Indian authorities say the terrorists suffered "significant" casualties even as specifics of the operation are yet to emerge.

At a quickly convened press conference, the Indian army's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) revealed that at least eight strikes were successfully conducted. Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh told reporters that the counter-terror operations inflicted "heavy damage" on positions used as a launch pad for infiltration by the Islamists.

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He said the Pakistani army was informed of the cross-border strikes. India's external affairs ministry's spokesperson Vikas Swarup was also present at the joint media conference.

"Despite persistently urging Pakistan to not allow territory under its control to be used for terrorist activities, nothing was done," said Singh, adding that the strikes were carried out considering "very specific and credible information that some terrorist units had positioned themselves to infiltrate".

Indian army surgical strikes
At least eight surgical strikes were conducted, says the Indian army Amit Dave/Reuters file photo

Shortly after the Indian security agencies wrapped up the operation, leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Pranab Mukherjee, were briefed about the strikes.

Responding to the attack, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif told reporters: "Our desire for peace should not be interpreted as our weakness. We are ready for the safety and defence of our country."

Tensions between the two nuclear-armed rivals reached a new high after the recent insurgent attack on an army base in Kashmir's Uri which killed 18 Indian soldiers.