India, Pakistan exchange fire across Kashmir border, 15 killed
At least 15 people, including five security personnel, have been killed and dozens of others wounded as Indian and Pakistani forces exchanged fire across the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir, the de facto border that divides the region between India and Pakistan.
The clashes, involving shelling and gunfire, began on Friday morning and continued late into the evening, with each side blaming the other for the brief fighting.
Indian officials said the exchange of fire began after Indian forces thwarted an attempt by militants from Pakistan to cross into the Indian-administered Kashmir, while Pakistan's military said in a statement that it had retaliated against unprovoked and indiscriminate fire by Indian troops.
According to Indian officials, six civilians, three soldiers, and a border guard were killed on their side.
Meanwhile, Pakistan said four civilians and one soldier had been killed on the Pakistani side.
The two sides regularly exchange fire across the mountainous border, but the shelling on Friday was the heaviest in several months.
"As usual, they targeted civilian populations without any remorse," Syed Shahid Qadri, a government official in Pakistani Kashmir, said, adding that a woman had been among the dead and 27 others had been wounded.
The Indian army also accused Pakistan of firing at civilians, saying in a statement that "Pakistan used mortars and other weapons" and "deliberately targeted civilian areas."
Kashmir is disputed territory. It has been split between India and Pakistan since their partition in 1947. The countries have fought three wars over the region.
On August 5, 2019, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist government announced it was removing Kashmir's semi-autonomy.
Following the announcement of the removal of Kashmir's special status, Indian authorities imposed harsh movement restrictions, made mass arrests, and blocked communication to thwart any protests.
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