India/Pakistan: Four killed in shelling in Kashmir March 2 /update 4

Event

Tensions between India and Pakistan remain high as shelling resumes in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, March 2. At least four civilians were killed, three in Poonch district on the Indian side of the Line of Control (LoC) and one other in Pakistani-controlled Jammu and Kashmir, from indirect fire. Four others were wounded. The shelling reportedly stopped around 07:00 (local time) on Saturday. The situation appears to have stabilized partially following the release of captured Indian pilot around 21:00 on Friday, March 1, though the situation remains tense and additional violence is likely. Further airstrikes, shelling, and cross-border ground fire are possible in the coming days around the border region, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir.

Train and plane services in the two countries have been affected, with Pakistan partially closing airspace until Monday, March 4. Authorities suspended operations for Samjhauta Express, which runs between Lahore (Pakistan) and Attari (India). The Thar Express between Karachi (Pakistan) and Jodhpur (India) is reportedly maintaining normal schedules as of Friday, March 1.

Context

Tensions significantly escalated between India and Pakistan after the IAF conducted airstrikes on a suspected Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) camp near Balakot (Pakistan) on February 26. Indian officials claim the strikes were a "pre-emptive, non-military" strike in response to credible intelligence that JeM was planning another suicide attack in India. A series of cross-border airstrikes and artillery shelling began, resulting in India shooting down one Pakistani jet and Pakistan shooting down two Indian planes, capturing one of the pilots on Wednesday, February 27. The pilot was returned to Indian authorities at the border on Friday, March 1.

JeM recently claimed responsibility for a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (SVBIED) attack in Pulwama district (Jammu and Kashmir) on February 14, killing at least 40 Indian paramilitary officers. India has accused Pakistan of supporting the attackers. It was the deadliest terrorist attack in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

India and Pakistan both claim sovereignty over Jammu and Kashmir, which has been the focus of periodic violent conflict since 1947.

Advice

Individuals in Pakistan and India are advised to monitor developments to the situation, refrain from travel to Jammu and Kashmir and all areas near the India-Pakistan border, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.