Pakistan has announced it possesses "credible intelligence" suggesting India plans to initiate military action imminently, escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations. This announcement follows the recent deadly attack on tourists in Indian Kashmir on April 22nd.
The attack in the Pahalgam area involved assailants targeting Hindus after segregating men and asking for their names. Twenty-six people were killed, according to officials and survivors. India has identified the three attackers, including two Pakistani nationals, as "terrorists" involved in a violent revolt in Muslim-majority Kashmir. Pakistan has denied any involvement and called for an impartial investigation.
In response to the attack, the long-standing rivals have taken measures against each other. India has suspended the critical Indus Waters Treaty, and Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian airlines. Pakistan stated on Wednesday that it had "credible intelligence" indicating India's intention to launch military action within the "next 24-36 hours," citing "baseless and concocted allegations" related to the Pahalgam incident. India's foreign and defense ministries have not issued any comments.
Pakistan has condemned terrorism in all forms and vowed to respond "assuredly and decisively" to any Indian military action. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged to pursue and punish the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack. A meeting of India's cabinet committee on security (CCS) is scheduled, marking the second such meeting since the attack. Prime Minister Modi has reportedly given military leaders the freedom to determine the country's response.
Small arms fire has increased along the border between the two countries. The Indian army reported responding to "unprovoked" firing from multiple Pakistani army posts, marking the sixth consecutive violation of their ceasefire agreement. The Pakistani military has not commented.
International bodies and nations have also responded. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged both India and Pakistan to avoid a confrontation. The United States has also urged de-escalation. The British government has called for calm and advised against travel to Jammu and Kashmir. India accuses Pakistan of supporting militancy in Kashmir, while Pakistan claims to only offer moral and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri demand for self-determination.
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