India: Suspected VBIED attack in Awantipora kills 30 border forces Feb. 14

Event

A suspected vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) killed at least 30 Indian Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel in Awantipora (Pulwama district) in Jammu and Kashmir state on Thursday, February 14. The attacker reportedly rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a CRPF convoy of over 70 vehicles carrying 2500 personnel. The Jaish-e-Mohammad militant group has claimed responsibility for the attack. A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are to be expected in the area over the coming hours and days.

Context

Separatists have been fighting Indian rule in Kashmir since 1989. Some 70,000 people have died and many more have been injured in related violence, uprisings, and military crackdowns. Recently, the Indian government has conducted several security operations in the region amid rising tensions and sporadic violence.

Advice

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

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