Tensions are rapidly escalating between nuclear powers India and Pakistan after India on Tuesday struck what it says were terrorist targets deep inside Pakistan, which says its military shot down five Indian fighter jets.

India on Tuesday launched what it said were retaliatory strikes against Pakistan, the most significant attack in decades, coming two weeks after a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 tourists.

Pakistan has denied any involvement in the attack in Kashmir and has called Indian strikes in Pakistani territory “an act of war.” Officials in Pakistan have vowed to respond to the strikes.

President Trump on Wednesday from the Oval Office encouraged de-escalation and said "I know both very well. I want to see them work it out." Trump added, "I want to see them stop."

"If I can do anything to help, I will be there," the U.S. president added.

Here’s what to know with the two nuclear-armed countries on the brink.

Damage on both sides

The Indian missile strikes killed 31 people and injured 57 in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and the country’s Punjab province, according to a statement from Pakistan’s military.

Shortly after the strikes took place Tuesday, India’s Defense Ministry said the strikes targeted at least nine sites “where terrorist attacks against India have been planned.”

India’s army said 15 civilians were killed and 43 were injured on its side of the border.

“In an hourlong air battle, our pilots blew up the jets........

© The Hill