In a fresh wave of cross-border violence, five Pakistani civilians were martyred and over ten injured following unprovoked shelling by the Indian Army along the Line of Control (LoC), prompting a strong retaliatory response from Pakistani forces.
The hostilities, which unfolded overnight, affected several sectors of the Poonch division, including Rawalakot, Hajira, Neelum Valley, and Kotli. Pakistani military officials confirmed that their troops responded swiftly, silencing multiple Indian posts along the LoC.
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Local authorities reported that four individuals, including a young girl, were killed in the Khoirta sector of Kotli due to Indian artillery fire. Over ten injured civilians were immediately shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital in Kotli for medical treatment. The shelling targeted populated areas, significantly raising the toll on non-combatants.
In Rawalakot, 22-year-old Osama Ishrat was martyred after Indian forces opened fire near his residence in Kotdi Najam Khan. Osama, who had been married just ten days prior, succumbed to injuries while his two sisters were wounded. Three more individuals were injured in adjacent Hajira town, all of whom were taken to a nearby hospital.
Neelum Valley also witnessed intensified shelling for a third consecutive day. Indian forces targeted civilian localities in Shahkot, Jura, Athmaqam, Dodanial, Sharda, Kiel, and Helmat. In response, Pakistani troops engaged enemy positions with full force, managing to disrupt the shelling campaign.
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A youth from the Upper Kiel area was seriously injured, while mortar fire from Indian positions damaged the NADRA office building in Kiel. Local officials confirmed emergency protocols were enacted at the DHQ Hospital in Athmaqam to deal with the increasing number of victims.
In a concerning tactic, Indian troops were also reported to have scattered toy bombs along the LoC to endanger civilian lives. Authorities have urged residents to avoid touching any suspicious objects and to report them immediately.
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Amid heightened tensions, the Pakistan Army downed an Indian surveillance quadcopter in the Baghsar area of Samahani, Azad Kashmir. The UAV was intercepted and destroyed at approximately 3:15 AM local time, marking a significant escalation in the conflict.
The Pakistan military remains on high alert, with officials reiterating that all acts of aggression will be met with decisive force.
