Recent Military Strikes

India’s military operations in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir and Pakistan have reportedly resulted in the death of over 100 militants, including key leaders, as stated by Lt. Gen. Rajiv Ghai, the head of India’s military operations. During a press briefing in New Delhi, Ghai asserted that the armed forces successfully targeted nine militant infrastructure and training facilities, particularly focusing on the Lashkar-e-Taiba group, known for its involvement in significant militant activities in the both India and Kashmir.

Ceasefire Dynamics

A ceasefire was announced just a day prior to Ghai’s briefing, following discussions aimed at diffusing what has become one of the most serious military confrontations between the two nations in decades. Pakistan, however, refuted claims that it had requested the ceasefire, stating instead that India initiated the request.

In response to the missile strikes launched by India, Pakistan’s Lt. Gen. Ahmad Sharif stated that Pakistan had targeted 26 Indian military installations, confirming that his military expressed “maximum restraint” during its counterstrike, which avoided civilian areas.

Claims of Casualties and Conflict

The escalation of violence follows a tragic incident on April 22, where a massacre of tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir raised tensions. India pinned the blame on Pakistan, which has denied involvement. Ghai reported that clashes along the Line of Control, the de facto border, resulted in the deaths of 35 to 40 Pakistani soldiers and five Indian soldiers. Conversely, Pakistan’s Information Minister claimed that its forces had killed 40 to 50 Indian soldiers in the same encounters.

Even as the ceasefire was declared, sporadic gunfire continued, indicating a fragile situation on the ground.

International Reaction and Future Talks

U.S. President Donald Trump was among the first to announce the ceasefire on his social media platform, which both Indian and Pakistani officials confirmed shortly after. Pakistan’s government has expressed gratitude to the U.S. for facilitating the ceasefire, while India has remained silent on the subject.

The UN Secretary-General also welcomed the ceasefire as a step towards easing tensions, hoping that it could pave the way for a more sustainable peace in the region. High-ranking military officials from both India and Pakistan are set to communicate further regarding the ongoing situation on Monday.

Local Responses to Conflict

Residents along the Line of Control have expressed fear and uncertainty amid the violence. In Poonch, India, student Sosan Zehra described chaos during recent shelling, while in the Neelum Valley of Pakistan, local resident Mohammad Zahid voiced concerns about the volatile situation following the ceasefire announcement.