India Reports Strike on Militants in Pakistan-Controlled Kashmir

ISLAMABAD -- India has asserted that its recent military operations in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir resulted in the deaths of over 100 militants, including several high-ranking leaders. This claim was made by the head of India's military operations, who stated that the strikes targeted nine militant infrastructure and training sites linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba group, which India holds responsible for multiple attacks within its borders and in the Kashmir region.

During a press briefing in New Delhi, the director general of military operations mentioned that the Indian armed forces executed these operations with complete surprise, stating that Pakistan's response was erratic and disorganized.

The escalation of tensions came just a day after both nations reached a ceasefire agreement, aimed at de-escalating their most serious military confrontation in decades. Prior to this, there had been intense exchanges of gunfire and missile strikes along the border, resulting in numerous casualties.

Under the terms of the ceasefire, which both countries announced they would adhere to immediately, military actions on land, in the air, and at sea were to cease. However, the Pakistani military contested India's assertion that it had requested the ceasefire, instead claiming that India had initiated the call for peace.

In a counter-response, Pakistan's military reported that it had targeted 26 Indian military installations following India's missile strikes, which commenced in the early hours of Wednesday. The Pakistani military emphasized its commitment to responding to what it characterized as Indian aggression, asserting that it had exercised restraint by avoiding civilian targets during its retaliation.

As the violence escalated, the situation became increasingly tense after a mass shooting targeting tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir on April 22, which India attributed to Pakistan, a claim Pakistan denied. Following these events, it was reported that approximately 35 to 40 Pakistani soldiers were killed in the crossfire, while five Indian soldiers also lost their lives, according to Indian military sources. Conversely, a Pakistani minister claimed that their forces had inflicted significant casualties on Indian troops.

In a further display of military capability, Pakistan launched several drones targeting various locations, which Indian air force officials claimed were intercepted successfully. They noted that India responded with significant strikes against Pakistan's air bases, although they refrained from confirming or denying claims regarding the downing of aircraft by either side.

Despite the ceasefire announcement, subsequent fighting erupted shortly after, with both sides accusing each other of violating the agreement. Reports indicated that heavy artillery exchanges continued late into the night, with civilians in both Indian and Pakistani regions expressing fear and uncertainty amidst the shelling.

As the situation remains volatile, discussions are scheduled between military officials from both countries. The international community, including the United Nations, has welcomed the ceasefire as a positive step towards reducing tensions in the region.

Both India and Pakistan have a long history of conflict, particularly over the disputed Kashmir region, which has been a flashpoint for military confrontations and diplomatic tensions for decades.