Context:

India and Pakistan announced a cease-fire after intense fighting, but reports of continued violence surfaced, with both sides accusing each other of violating the truce. The conflict was sparked by a terrorist attack in Kashmir, which India attributed to Pakistani involvement, a claim Pakistan denied. The cease-fire was initially declared by President Trump, who claimed U.S. mediation, though India contested this assertion. Despite the announcement, heavy cross-border firing persisted in the disputed Kashmir region, with both nations targeting each other's military installations. Historically, the Kashmir conflict traces back to the 1947 partition, with ongoing tensions exacerbated by accusations of Pakistan supporting militant groups in the region.

Dive Deeper:

• India and Pakistan agreed to a cease-fire after days of the worst fighting in decades, but accusations flew as both sides reported continued cross-border firing and violations of the truce. The fighting involved heavy artillery, drones, and missile strikes, with both nations targeting multiple military bases.

• The escalation of violence followed a terrorist attack in Kashmir that killed 26 people, mostly Hindu tourists. India blamed Pakistan for the attack, suggesting the involvement of Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistani-based terrorist group, though Pakistan denied any involvement.

• President Trump announced the cease-fire on social media, attributing it to U.S. mediation, but India rejected this, insisting the agreement was directly between India and Pakistan. The cease-fire's effectiveness was immediately questioned due to ongoing cross-border incidents.

• The Kashmir conflict dates back to the 1947 partition, resulting in a divided region with ongoing territorial disputes. Multiple wars and skirmishes have occurred since, with the Line of Control established as the de facto border, but the region remains highly militarized.

• Pakistan has historically been accused of supporting militancy in Kashmir, with evidence of training and aiding insurgent groups in the past. This involvement was acknowledged by former Pakistani officials but was later curtailed amid international pressure, particularly from the United States.

• Efforts to mediate the conflict have involved several countries, including the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, all urging restraint to prevent a full-scale war. Despite these efforts, the situation remains volatile, with both nations on high alert and diplomatic relations strained.

• The insurgency in Kashmir began in the 1980s due to local grievances and was later amplified by Pakistani support for militant groups. The situation worsened in the 1990s, leading to significant violence and the displacement of the Hindu minority from the region.