India: Three police officers wounded in attack in Kashmir Oct. 18

Event

On Thursday, October 18, militants reportedly launched an attack on a contingent of security forces in Baramulla district (Jammu and Kashmir). According to reports, at least three police officers were wounded by a grenade. Later on Thursday, one of the militants suspected of having participated in the attack was killed by security forces in nearby Pulwama district. According to security officials, the militants were reportedly part of the Tehreek-ul-Mujahideen (TuM) terrorist organization. A heightened security presence is anticipated in Baramulla and Pulwama districts in the coming days. Further attacks by militants, as well as operations by Indian security forces, are possible in the near term.

Context

Indian armed forces continue to launch operations against members of the secessionist Hizbul Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Taiba groups, who challenge India's sovereignty over Kashmir. Tensions have been particularly high in the region in recent months, with often deadly sporadic cross-border shelling and border skirmishes between Pakistani and Indian armed forces at the Line of Control (LoC).

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to closely monitor developments to the situation and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities. As a reminder, some Western governments advise their citizens against travel to parts of Kashmir, notably areas along the Line of Control (LoC), due to the significant risk of violence.