Pakistan: Soldiers killed in explosion in Azad Jammu and Kashmir July 3

Event

At least five Pakistan Army soldiers were reportedly killed in an explosion along the Line of Control (LoC) in Bhimber district (Azad Jammu and Kashmir) on Wednesday, July 3. The cause of the explosion is under investigation. Unconfirmed local reports claim the blast was the result of a breach of the ceasefire agreement along the LoC with Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir; however, this has not been independently confirmed. 

Context

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), also known as Azad Kashmir, is a self-governing administrative division of Pakistan. It is bordered by Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir to the east, which is separated by the LoC. The LoC is a de facto border dividing military control of the Kashmir region between Pakistan and India, originally implemented by the Simla Agreement in 1972.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to 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 (border), due to the significant risk of violence.