Tensions between India and Pakistan have flared after nine members of a Pakistani proxy-group and three Indian special operations troops were killed in Kashmir on April 5, 2020. Since then, cross border fire has escalated, with drone and artillery strikes between the two becoming increasingly common. It is believed that seven civilians have been killed in the deadly duel.
The footage above was captured by an Indian drone as it circled a Pakistani ammunition dump being targeted by howitzers. According to Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) and public reporting from the region, Pakistani rocket sites, artillery positions, and ammunition dumps were being targeted by Indian forces. The types of Indian installations being targeted by Pakistani forces, however, remains unknown. Most likely, Indian artillery positions, ammunition dumps, and forward outposts in Kashmir are coming under fire.
The exchanges come amid a lockdown of Kashmir due to COVID-19, exacerbating an already difficult situation. Kashmir has been a hotspot for conflict since 1947, with India and Pakistan both claiming the territory as its own. Pakistan has been accused of arming Guerrilla fighters, while India has been accused of targeting civilians with airstrikes and artillery. In all, nearly 80,000 civilians have been killed in the cross-fire.
The views expressed are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the United States Army, Department of Defense, or the United States Government.
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