India: Multiple attacks target security forces in Jammu and Kashmir June 12-13

Event

Militants conducted multiple attacks against security forces in Jammu and Kashmir between Monday, June 12, and Tuesday, June 13. Attackers threw grenades into a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp in the Tral area of Pulwama district on Monday night, wounding two officers. The following day, another grenade attack was carried out targeting the same camp. At least ten people were wounded, with three officers in critical condition. A police station in Pulwama district was also targeted in an attack. Media sources reported attacks in Pazalpora, Sarnal, Awantipora, and Anantnag. Police officials said that they had received intelligence that militants may be planning to carry out operations in the region on June 13.

Context

According to local media sources, no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks. However, Hizbul Mujahideen is suspected of being responsible. On June 5, suspected Hizbul Mujahideen militants attempted to enter a CRPF camp in the Bandipora district. All four attackers were killed before entering the base.

Tensions have increased in the Kashmir region since Sazar Ahmad Bhat, the former leader of the Hizbul Mujahideen armed group, was killed during a security operation on May 27. Violent anti-India protests took place throughout the Kashmir region in reaction to his death. At least one person was killed and ten wounded in the demonstrations.

Advice

As a reminder, authorities advise against all travel to Jammu and Kashmir, as well as to the border region with Pakistan (direct vicinity of the Line of Control) due to the high threat of terrorism, with the exception of the city of Jammu and the region of Ladakh. Western governments usually advise their citizens against all but essential travel to the city of Srinagar.