India-Pakistan Tensions Surge After Cross-Border Strikes

Violence has surged once again between India and Pakistan following a militant attack on Indian tourists in Pahalgam last month. 

India, blaming Pakistan-based terrorists for the assault, launched missile strikes on nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Pakistan claims 26 people were killed and 46 injured, and also alleges it shot down five Indian jets—claims India has not confirmed.

In retaliation, heavy Pakistani shelling killed at least 10 civilians on the Indian side of the Line of Control, Indian officials said. Overnight explosions rocked the border areas, escalating fears of wider conflict.

With both countries claiming all of Kashmir and a decades-long insurgency still ongoing, international observers are urging immediate diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation between the nuclear-armed neighbors.