Shelling has been reported in the Ukrainian city of Chernihiv. Citizens in Ukraine fill bomb shelters and subway stations as the crisis intensifies.

Watch: Shelling in Ukraine’s Chernihiv; citizens fill bomb shelters, subway stations

There has been a rise in shelling in eastern Ukraine amid the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine. This comes at a time when people were asked to evacuate the region.

Ukraine-Russia tensions: Rise in shelling in Donbas as evacuees reach Russia

With fears mounting of war in Europe, President Joe Biden prepared to gather NATO allies by phone Friday to discuss the threat to Ukraine, and President Vladimir Putin of Russia planned to preside over the launches of nuclear-capable missiles Saturday in drills that will showcase the country’s most destructive weapons.

Biden’s urgent diplomacy and Putin’s show of strength illustrated the spiraling tensions between Russia and the West, which threaten to spill into all-out conflict. Fighting escalated Thursday along a volatile front line between Ukrainian forces and Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine, the type of situation that the Biden administration says Moscow could use as a pretext to launch a wider invasion.

Putin said Friday that Russia was prepared for further diplomacy but would continue to insist on far-reaching demands for “security guarantees” in Eastern Europe that the West has rejected — such as a halt to the eastward expansion of NATO and the pullback of the alliance’s forces from the region.

“We are ready to go on the negotiating track under the condition that all questions will be considered together, without being separated from Russia’s main proposals,” Putin said in a news conference alongside close ally President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus, who was visiting Moscow.

The Biden administration has said it believes that Russia is poised to invade Ukraine within days. Although Moscow insists that it has no such plans, it has vowed to mount “a tough response” if the United States and its NATO partners do not roll back their presence in Eastern Europe.

In a demonstration of strength, Russia will conduct major drills this weekend that will include the launch of ballistic and cruise missiles, the country’s defense ministry said, according to the Interfax news agency.

Russia’s drills will test its strategic nuclear forces, which include the land-based launchers, bombers and warships used to deliver nuclear weapons. They will involve the Black Sea Fleet, which has been engaged in large-scale exercises in the region bordering Ukraine. Putin will preside over them from a “situation center,” the Kremlin said.

The Defense Ministry said the drills were planned in advance, and Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov denied that they were intended to raise tensions. But they will come at a critical juncture in the standoff over Ukraine.

As high-level diplomacy continues to compete with the military maneuvering, an uneasy calm settled over eastern Ukraine early Friday after a night punctuated by explosions and bursts of gunfire in as many as 30 villages and towns along a 250-mile stretch of land separating Ukrainian and Russia-backed forces. Although periodic exchanges of gunfire are not uncommon in the eight-year trench war, that violence was of a heightened scale.

As the events play out, officials in Russia, the United States and in Ukraine are trying to shape the narrative.

US officials said they were “watching closely” out of concern that Russia could use violence in eastern Ukraine as a pretext to invade Ukraine. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told the U.N. Security Council on Thursday that Russia planned to “manufacture a pretext for its attack,” possibly with a “so-called terrorist bombing” or “a fake, even a real attack” with chemical weapons.

Residents in areas controlled by Ukraine’s government have been stocking up on food and other supplies, and the country’s defense minister, Oleksiy Reznikov, on Friday sought to reassure people living in the territory held by Russia-backed separatists that they faced no threat from government forces.

He told Ukraine’s parliament that he had traveled across the region, urging people not to believe Russian propaganda that the Ukrainian government was going to attack them. His message, he said, was “Don’t be afraid” and “Ukraine is not your enemy.”

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Friday that Moscow was concerned about “a sharp increase in shelling in eastern Ukraine,” and he blamed Ukrainian forces for the escalation.

“The Kyiv regime has been violating its responsibilities for several years,” he said. “Every time we agree on new measures to help impose a cease-fire, Kyiv sabotages them.”

With fears mounting of war in Europe, President Joe Biden prepared to gather NATO allies by phone Friday to discuss the threat to Ukraine, and President Vladimir Putin of Russia planned to preside over the launches of nuclear-capable missiles Saturday in drills that will showcase the country’s most destructive weapons.

With fears mounting of war in Europe, President Joe Biden prepared to gather NATO allies by phone Friday to discuss the threat to Ukraine, and President Vladimir Putin of Russia planned to preside over the launches of nuclear-capable missiles Saturday in drills that will showcase the country’s most destructive weapons. Biden’s urgent diplomacy and Putin’s show of strength illustrated the spiraling tensions between Russia and the West, which threaten to spill into all-out conflict. Fighting escalated Thursday along a volatile front line between Ukrainian forces and Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine, the type of situation that the Biden administration says Moscow could use as a pretext to launch a wider invasion. Putin said Friday that Russia was prepared for further diplomacy but would continue to insist on far-reaching demands for “security guarantees” in Eastern Europe that the West has rejected — such as a halt to the eastward expansion of NATO and the pullback of the alliance’s forces from the region. “We are ready to go on the negotiating track under the condition that all questions will be considered together, without being separated from Russia’s main proposals,” Putin said in a news conference alongside close ally President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus, who was visiting Moscow. The Biden administration has said it believes that Russia is poised to invade Ukraine within days. Although Moscow insists that it has no such plans, it has vowed to mount “a tough response” if the United States and its NATO partners do not roll back their presence in Eastern Europe. In a demonstration of strength, Russia will conduct major drills this weekend that will include the launch of ballistic and cruise missiles, the country’s defense ministry said, according to the Interfax news agency. Russia’s drills will test its strategic nuclear forces, which include the land-based launchers, bombers and warships used to deliver nuclear weapons. They will involve the Black Sea Fleet, which has been engaged in large-scale exercises in the region bordering Ukraine. Putin will preside over them from a “situation center,” the Kremlin said. The Defense Ministry said the drills were planned in advance, and Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov denied that they were intended to raise tensions. But they will come at a critical juncture in the standoff over Ukraine. As high-level diplomacy continues to compete with the military maneuvering, an uneasy calm settled over eastern Ukraine early Friday after a night punctuated by explosions and bursts of gunfire in as many as 30 villages and towns along a 250-mile stretch of land separating Ukrainian and Russia-backed forces. Although periodic exchanges of gunfire are not uncommon in the eight-year trench war, that violence was of a heightened scale. As the events play out, officials in Russia, the United States and in Ukraine are trying to shape the narrative. US officials said they were “watching closely” out of concern that Russia could use violence in eastern Ukraine as a pretext to invade Ukraine. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told the U.N. Security Council on Thursday that Russia planned to “manufacture a pretext for its attack,” possibly with a “so-called terrorist bombing” or “a fake, even a real attack” with chemical weapons. Residents in areas controlled by Ukraine’s government have been stocking up on food and other supplies, and the country’s defense minister, Oleksiy Reznikov, on Friday sought to reassure people living in the territory held by Russia-backed separatists that they faced no threat from government forces. He told Ukraine’s parliament that he had traveled across the region, urging people not to believe Russian propaganda that the Ukrainian government was going to attack them. His message, he said, was “Don’t be afraid” and “Ukraine is not your enemy.” Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Friday that Moscow was concerned about “a sharp increase in shelling in eastern Ukraine,” and he blamed Ukrainian forces for the escalation. “The Kyiv regime has been violating its responsibilities for several years,” he said. “Every time we agree on new measures to help impose a cease-fire, Kyiv sabotages them.”

After heavy shelling, tensions simmer in Eastern Ukraine as crisis deepens

Regime&nbsp;shelling&nbsp;has killed&nbsp;four&nbsp;children&nbsp;in&nbsp;Syria's last major rebel bastion in the&nbsp;northwest&nbsp;of the country, a Britain-based war&nbsp;monitor&nbsp;said Sunday.

The artillery fire late Saturday&nbsp;hit a residential area in the south of the jihadist-dominated bastion of Idlib, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The victims in the village of Qastoun in the Hama province were from the same family, it said.

The Idlib region is home to nearly three million people, two-thirds of them displaced from other parts of the country during the decade-long civil war.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-says-thousands-fled-fighting-in-syrias-daraa-403264">Also read |&nbsp;UN says thousands fled fighting in Syria's Daraa</a>

It is dominated by&nbsp;Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate, but rebels and other jihadists are also present.

A ceasefire deal brokered by&nbsp;regime&nbsp;ally Russia and rebel backer Turkey has largely protected the region from a new government offensive since March 2020.

But&nbsp;regime&nbsp;forces have stepped up their&nbsp;shelling&nbsp;on the south of the bastion since June.&nbsp;

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad took the oath of office for a new term last month, vowing to make "liberating those parts of the homeland that still need to be" one of his top priorities.

Syria's war has killed around half a million people since starting in 2011 with a brutal crackdown on anti-government protests.

Regime shelling has killed four children in Syria's last major rebel bastion in the northwest of the country, a Britain-based war monitor said Sunday. The artillery fire late Saturday hit a residential area in the south of the jihadist-dominated bastion of Idlib, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

Regime shelling has killed four children in Syria's last major rebel bastion in the northwest of the country, a Britain-based war monitor said Sunday. The artillery fire late Saturday hit a residential area in the south of the jihadist-dominated bastion of Idlib, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. The victims in the village of Qastoun in the Hama province were from the same family, it said. The Idlib region is home to nearly three million people, two-thirds of them displaced from other parts of the country during the decade-long civil war. Also read | UN says thousands fled fighting in Syria's Daraa It is dominated by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate, but rebels and other jihadists are also present. A ceasefire deal brokered by regime ally Russia and rebel backer Turkey has largely protected the region from a new government offensive since March 2020. But regime forces have stepped up their shelling on the south of the bastion since June. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad took the oath of office for a new term last month, vowing to make "liberating those parts of the homeland that still need to be" one of his top priorities. Syria's war has killed around half a million people since starting in 2011 with a brutal crackdown on anti-government protests.

Regime shelling kills four children in northwest Syria: Monitor

&nbsp;Afghanistan has written to United Nation Security Council about Pakistan's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-fired-over-200-missiles-on-afghanistans-kunar-province-in-last-3-days-244565">continues targetting and shelling </a>the country's province bordering its southern neighbour.

Pakistan on August 19 and 20 fired over 200 rockets into the shelter district of&nbsp;northeastern&nbsp;Kunar province bordering Afghanistan causing massive damage in that area and also resulting in the displacement of the local population.&nbsp;

The letter was written by Afghan envoy to United Nation Adela Raz to Poland Envoy to United Nations&nbsp;Joanna Wronecka&nbsp;on August 22.

The letter says, "Afghan government calls on the United Nation Security Council to take necessary measures and actions to bring about an end to the violations identified"

It further added, "Should be grateful if this letter of complaint on Pakistan's continued activities is circulated as an official document of the Security Council".

The violation of Afghan territory continued despite Kabul informing Pakistan through diplomatic channel to cease the provocative activities.&nbsp;

The development comes even as Islamabad using the support of its ally China tried to rake up Kashmir at UNSC earlier this month in the backdrop of New Delhi's internal decision to remove the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

This is not the first time Afghans have written to the UN. In February this year, Afghanistan had complained to UNSC on Islamabad's engagement with the Taliban and its support to terror groups.&nbsp;Pakistan government had invited the Taliban for talks with Prime Minister Imran Khan, irking Kabul. After approaching the UNSC, the meeting was cancelled though interestingly the announcement came from the Taliban.

Afghanistan has written to United Nation Security Council about Pakistan's continues targetting and shelling the country's province bordering its southern neighbour.

Afghanistan has written to United Nation Security Council about Pakistan's continues targetting and shelling the country's province bordering its southern neighbour. Pakistan on August 19 and 20 fired over 200 rockets into the shelter district of northeastern Kunar province bordering Afghanistan causing massive damage in that area and also resulting in the displacement of the local population. The letter was written by Afghan envoy to United Nation Adela Raz to Poland Envoy to United Nations Joanna Wronecka on August 22. The letter says, "Afghan government calls on the United Nation Security Council to take necessary measures and actions to bring about an end to the violations identified" It further added, "Should be grateful if this letter of complaint on Pakistan's continued activities is circulated as an official document of the Security Council". The violation of Afghan territory continued despite Kabul informing Pakistan through diplomatic channel to cease the provocative activities. The development comes even as Islamabad using the support of its ally China tried to rake up Kashmir at UNSC earlier this month in the backdrop of New Delhi's internal decision to remove the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. This is not the first time Afghans have written to the UN. In February this year, Afghanistan had complained to UNSC on Islamabad's engagement with the Taliban and its support to terror groups. Pakistan government had invited the Taliban for talks with Prime Minister Imran Khan, irking Kabul. After approaching the UNSC, the meeting was cancelled though interestingly the announcement came from the Taliban.

Afghanistan writes to UNSC on Pakistan shelling its border province; asks for action

Heavy clashes broke out in the southern districts of the Libyan capital Tripoli on Saturday, with shelling audible in the city centre, residents said, as the death toll from two weeks of fighting between the country's rival governments rose to 220.

The spike in violence happened after the White House said on Friday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tripoli-residents-denounce-trumps-call-to-libyan-commander-haftar-211945">President Donald Trump spoke by phone earlier in the week with Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar</a>, who started an offensive against Tripoli on April 3.

The disclosure of the call and a US&nbsp;statement that it "recognized Field Marshal Haftar's significant role in fighting terrorism and securing Libya's oil resources" has boosted the commander's supporters and enraged his opponents.

Western powers and the Gulf have been divided over a push by Haftar's forces to seize Tripoli, undermining calls by the United Nations for a ceasefire.

Despite the offensive, Haftar's Libya National Army (LNA) force has not been able to breach the southern defences of forces allied to the internationally recognized administration based in the city.

On Saturday, shelling was louder and more frequent on Saturday than in previous days and audible even in central districts more than 10 km (6 miles) away from the frontline, residents said.

Both sides claimed progress in southern Tripoli, but no more details were immediately available.

A Reuters TV cameraman visiting the southern Khalat Furgan suburb heard heavy shelling but saw no apparent major change in the frontline.

On Friday, two children were killed in shelling in southern Tripoli, residents said. The fighting has killed 220 people an wounded 1,066, the World Health Organization (WHO) said.

It was unclear why the White House waited several days to announce Monday's phone call.

On Friday, Acting US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said, "a military solution is not what Libya needs." He said he supported Haftar’s "role in counter-terrorism" and that Washington needed Haftar’s "support in building democratic stability there in the region."

On Thursday, both the United States and Russia said they could not support a UN&nbsp;Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Libya at this time.

Russia objects to the British-drafted resolution blaming Haftar for the latest flare-up in violence when his LNA advanced to the outskirts of Tripoli earlier this month, diplomats said.

The United States did not give a reason for its decision not to support the draft resolution, which would also call on countries with influence over the warring parties to ensure compliance and for unconditional humanitarian aid access in Libya.

The country has been gripped by anarchy since Muammar Gaddafi was toppled in 2011.

While the Tripoli battle continued, municipal elections took place in seven towns, mainly in the south, the election commission said.

The vote is part of elections for local councils across Libya. Security differs from region to region as the country is controlled by rival governments, tribesmen and armed groups.

In western Libya polls in several communities had been postponed a week ago due to the fighting.

Heavy clashes broke out in the southern districts of the Libyan capital Tripoli on Saturday, with shelling audible in the city centre, residents said, as the death toll from two weeks of fighting between the country's rival governments rose to 220.

Heavy clashes broke out in the southern districts of the Libyan capital Tripoli on Saturday, with shelling audible in the city centre, residents said, as the death toll from two weeks of fighting between the country's rival governments rose to 220. The spike in violence happened after the White House said on Friday that President Donald Trump spoke by phone earlier in the week with Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar, who started an offensive against Tripoli on April 3. The disclosure of the call and a US statement that it "recognized Field Marshal Haftar's significant role in fighting terrorism and securing Libya's oil resources" has boosted the commander's supporters and enraged his opponents. Western powers and the Gulf have been divided over a push by Haftar's forces to seize Tripoli, undermining calls by the United Nations for a ceasefire. Despite the offensive, Haftar's Libya National Army (LNA) force has not been able to breach the southern defences of forces allied to the internationally recognized administration based in the city. On Saturday, shelling was louder and more frequent on Saturday than in previous days and audible even in central districts more than 10 km (6 miles) away from the frontline, residents said. Both sides claimed progress in southern Tripoli, but no more details were immediately available. A Reuters TV cameraman visiting the southern Khalat Furgan suburb heard heavy shelling but saw no apparent major change in the frontline. On Friday, two children were killed in shelling in southern Tripoli, residents said. The fighting has killed 220 people an wounded 1,066, the World Health Organization (WHO) said. It was unclear why the White House waited several days to announce Monday's phone call. On Friday, Acting US Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said, "a military solution is not what Libya needs." He said he supported Haftar’s "role in counter-terrorism" and that Washington needed Haftar’s "support in building democratic stability there in the region." On Thursday, both the United States and Russia said they could not support a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Libya at this time. Russia objects to the British-drafted resolution blaming Haftar for the latest flare-up in violence when his LNA advanced to the outskirts of Tripoli earlier this month, diplomats said. The United States did not give a reason for its decision not to support the draft resolution, which would also call on countries with influence over the warring parties to ensure compliance and for unconditional humanitarian aid access in Libya. The country has been gripped by anarchy since Muammar Gaddafi was toppled in 2011. While the Tripoli battle continued, municipal elections took place in seven towns, mainly in the south, the election commission said. The vote is part of elections for local councils across Libya. Security differs from region to region as the country is controlled by rival governments, tribesmen and armed groups. In western Libya polls in several communities had been postponed a week ago due to the fighting.

Heavy clashes erupt in southern suburbs of Libyan capital, locals report heavy shelling

Syrian regime shelling killed nine civilians including seven children on Saturday in a planned buffer zone around the country's last major rebel bastion, the Observatory said.

A teacher and four school children were among the victims after the shelling hit near a school in the northwestern province of Idlib, said Abdel Rahman.

Later in the evening, in neighbouring Aleppo which is under Syrian regime control, official media accused the rebels of launching an attack with "toxic gas".

Regional head of health services, Ziad Hajj Taha, said it was a "probable" chlorine attack.

It is not the first time such accusations have been levelled against the rebels in Aleppo. On other occasions, the Syrian regime has been accused of using chemical weapons against rebel strongholds, which it has always denied.

The anti-IS alliance has repeatedly denied previous reports of civilians killed in its air strikes and said it does its utmost to avoid hitting non-combatants.

IS overran large swathes of Syria and neighbouring Iraq in 2014, proclaiming a "caliphate" in land it controlled but has lost most of it to offensives by multiple forces in both countries.

In Syria, the jihadists are largely confined to the pocket in Deir Ezzor, but they also have a presence in the vast Badia desert that stretches across the country to the Iraqi border.

Since 2014, the US-led coalition has acknowledged direct responsibility for over 1,100 civilian deaths in Syria and Iraq, but rights groups put the number much higher.

Syria's war has killed more than 360,000 people and displaced millions since it started in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests. 
&nbsp;

Syrian regime shelling killed nine civilians including seven children on Saturday in a planned buffer zone around the country's last major rebel bastion, the Observatory said.

Syrian regime shelling killed nine civilians including seven children on Saturday in a planned buffer zone around the country's last major rebel bastion, the Observatory said. A teacher and four school children were among the victims after the shelling hit near a school in the northwestern province of Idlib, said Abdel Rahman. Later in the evening, in neighbouring Aleppo which is under Syrian regime control, official media accused the rebels of launching an attack with "toxic gas". Regional head of health services, Ziad Hajj Taha, said it was a "probable" chlorine attack. It is not the first time such accusations have been levelled against the rebels in Aleppo. On other occasions, the Syrian regime has been accused of using chemical weapons against rebel strongholds, which it has always denied. The anti-IS alliance has repeatedly denied previous reports of civilians killed in its air strikes and said it does its utmost to avoid hitting non-combatants. IS overran large swathes of Syria and neighbouring Iraq in 2014, proclaiming a "caliphate" in land it controlled but has lost most of it to offensives by multiple forces in both countries. In Syria, the jihadists are largely confined to the pocket in Deir Ezzor, but they also have a presence in the vast Badia desert that stretches across the country to the Iraqi border. Since 2014, the US-led coalition has acknowledged direct responsibility for over 1,100 civilian deaths in Syria and Iraq, but rights groups put the number much higher. Syria's war has killed more than 360,000 people and displaced millions since it started in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

9 civillians killed in shelling exchange in Syria's Aleppo city; official media allege 'toxic gas' attack

The Indian Army has targeted Pakistani military administrative headquarters across the Line of Control in retaliation to the recent shelling in Poonch and Jhallas, security officials said Monday.

The Army retaliated in the Khuiratta and Samani areas of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), they said.

The Pakistani army had shelled the brigade headquarters and other Indian military formations in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch on October 23.

"In response to Pakistani army's firing of stray shells on Poonch and Jhallas on October 23, 2018, the Indian Army has sent a strong signal by firing at Pakistani army administrative headquarters... and the residents of border villages also reported that they could see smoke emanating," the officials said.

Following the shelling in Poonch, the Indian Army has in its "strong signal" to Pakistan, fired on its army administrative headquarters in PoK, they said.

Quoting information received from across the border, the officials claimed that several photographs "stood testimony" to the reports of border villagers that they had seen smoke emanating from the Pakistani headquarters after the Indian military's retaliatory action.

They said the Indian Army has exercised maximum restraint, despite continuous provocation by the Pakistani army.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Pakistan army administrative HQ targeted along LoC near Poonch by Indian Army in retaliation to Pakistan’s mortar shelling of Poonch and Jhallas on October 23 <a href="https://t.co/o0C6UJQqcr">pic.twitter.com/o0C6UJQqcr</a>
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The Army has avoided targeting civilian population living in the close proximity of the Line of Control (LoC) in PoK areas such as Hajira, BandiGopalpur, Nikial, Samani and Khuiratta, the officials said.

Following the 2016 surgical strikes, the pressure on the Pakistani army was kept across the LoC through "proactive and precise targeting" by the Indian Army, they said

The officials claimed that against the more than 138 fatal casualties suffered by the Pakistani army in the area in 2017, the numbers reduced to half till May 2018 after the neighbouring nation was forced to request for a ceasefire in the face of mounting deaths and injuries.

They also highlighted the recent killing of two Pakistan Border Action Team personnel in the Sunderbani sector on October 21 and the country's refusal to accept their bodies.

"Deprivation and penury of locals of PoK suit the Pakistan army that while ensconced in the safety of their posts, use these unwitting and brainwashed youths as cannon fodder for actions along the LoC, a cowardly and unprofessional modus operandi for any self-respecting army," the officials said.

"These acts of the Pakistan army are accentuated by their propensity in refusing to acknowledge and accept the dead bodies of their soldiers as also of terrorists, each time the terrorists are neutralised in operations along the LoC or the hinterland," they said.

The Indian Army has targeted Pakistani military administrative headquarters across the Line of Control in retaliation to the recent shelling in Poonch and Jhallas, security officials said Monday.

The Indian Army has targeted Pakistani military administrative headquarters across the Line of Control in retaliation to the recent shelling in Poonch and Jhallas, security officials said Monday. The Army retaliated in the Khuiratta and Samani areas of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), they said. The Pakistani army had shelled the brigade headquarters and other Indian military formations in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch on October 23. "In response to Pakistani army's firing of stray shells on Poonch and Jhallas on October 23, 2018, the Indian Army has sent a strong signal by firing at Pakistani army administrative headquarters... and the residents of border villages also reported that they could see smoke emanating," the officials said. Following the shelling in Poonch, the Indian Army has in its "strong signal" to Pakistan, fired on its army administrative headquarters in PoK, they said. Quoting information received from across the border, the officials claimed that several photographs "stood testimony" to the reports of border villagers that they had seen smoke emanating from the Pakistani headquarters after the Indian military's retaliatory action. They said the Indian Army has exercised maximum restraint, despite continuous provocation by the Pakistani army. #WATCH: Pakistan army administrative HQ targeted along LoC near Poonch by Indian Army in retaliation to Pakistan’s mortar shelling of Poonch and Jhallas on October 23 pic.twitter.com/o0C6UJQqcr — ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2018 × The Army has avoided targeting civilian population living in the close proximity of the Line of Control (LoC) in PoK areas such as Hajira, BandiGopalpur, Nikial, Samani and Khuiratta, the officials said. Following the 2016 surgical strikes, the pressure on the Pakistani army was kept across the LoC through "proactive and precise targeting" by the Indian Army, they said The officials claimed that against the more than 138 fatal casualties suffered by the Pakistani army in the area in 2017, the numbers reduced to half till May 2018 after the neighbouring nation was forced to request for a ceasefire in the face of mounting deaths and injuries. They also highlighted the recent killing of two Pakistan Border Action Team personnel in the Sunderbani sector on October 21 and the country's refusal to accept their bodies. "Deprivation and penury of locals of PoK suit the Pakistan army that while ensconced in the safety of their posts, use these unwitting and brainwashed youths as cannon fodder for actions along the LoC, a cowardly and unprofessional modus operandi for any self-respecting army," the officials said. "These acts of the Pakistan army are accentuated by their propensity in refusing to acknowledge and accept the dead bodies of their soldiers as also of terrorists, each time the terrorists are neutralised in operations along the LoC or the hinterland," they said.

Watch: Indian Army targets Pakistan Army installation along LoC in retaliation to shelling

Two Indian army soldiers were killed in Jammu and Kashmir's Sunderbani sector of Rajouri district during a shelling by Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC) on Monday.&nbsp 
&nbsp 
"Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked and indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatics and mortars from 1715 hours in Sunderbanisector along the Line of Control (LoC) last night," a defence spokesman said.

The soldiers, Rifleman Vinod Singh and Rifleman Jaki Sharma, &nbspwere critically injured after which both of them succumbed to their injuries, the spokesperson informed.&nbsp

Singh, 24, belonged to Danapur village of Akhnoor district in Jammu and Kashmir. He is survived by his father, Ajit Singh. 
Sharma, 30, was from Sanhail village of Hiranagar district in Jammu. He is survived by his wife, Rajni Devi.

"Rifleman Vinod Singh and Rifleman Jaki Sharma were brave and sincere soldiers. The nation will always remain indebted to the brave hearts for their supreme sacrifice and devotion to duty," the defence spokesperson said.&nbsp

The fresh ceasefire violation comes four days after an army officer was injured when Pakistan Army violated ceasefire on Line of Control (LoC) in Nowshera sector of Rajouri district.&nbsp

(With inputs from PTI)

The soldiers, Rifleman Vinod Singh and Rifleman Jaki Sharma, were critically injured after which both of them succumbed to their injuries, the spokesperson informed

Two Indian army soldiers were killed in Jammu and Kashmir's Sunderbani sector of Rajouri district during a shelling by Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC) on Monday. "Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked and indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatics and mortars from 1715 hours in Sunderbanisector along the Line of Control (LoC) last night," a defence spokesman said. The soldiers, Rifleman Vinod Singh and Rifleman Jaki Sharma, &nbspwere critically injured after which both of them succumbed to their injuries, the spokesperson informed. Singh, 24, belonged to Danapur village of Akhnoor district in Jammu and Kashmir. He is survived by his father, Ajit Singh. Sharma, 30, was from Sanhail village of Hiranagar district in Jammu. He is survived by his wife, Rajni Devi. "Rifleman Vinod Singh and Rifleman Jaki Sharma were brave and sincere soldiers. The nation will always remain indebted to the brave hearts for their supreme sacrifice and devotion to duty," the defence spokesperson said. The fresh ceasefire violation comes four days after an army officer was injured when Pakistan Army violated ceasefire on Line of Control (LoC) in Nowshera sector of Rajouri district. (With inputs from PTI)

2 Indian army soldiers dead after unprovoked shelling by Pakistan

The 20-year-old army jawan had told his parents that he will be coming home in two days. Tomorrow, they will receive the body of Sepoy Shubham Suryakant Mustapure at his village Konerwadi in Parbhani district of Maharashtra, for last rites.

Mustapure, who joined the Army two years ago, was killed as Pakistani troops fired mortar bombs at forward posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir today.

A pall of gloom has descended on the village as people await the arrival of his body, for the last rites to be performed tomorrow.

Mustapure will be cremated with military honours at 4 pm tomorrow, an official said. The soldier’s body is expected to land at Aurangabad airport at 11 am and will be taken to Konerwadi by road, he added.

“Shubham recently called his parents and informed them he will be coming home in two days. Now, his body, wrapped in tricolour, will reach here,” a relative of the soldier said.

The jawan, who was a bachelor, is survived by parents and grandparents and two younger brothers. While one brother studies in Gangakhed in Parbhani district, another studies at Ahmedpur in Latur district, the kin said.

The soldier’s father owns one and a half acres of farm and also supplements his income through tailoring.

When Shubham was recruited in the Army two years ago, after completing his 12th class, he had treated the entire village to a grand feast, the relative said.

Sepoy Shubham Suryakant Mustapure, who joined the Army two years ago, was killed as Pakistani troops fired mortar bombs at forward posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir today.

The 20-year-old army jawan had told his parents that he will be coming home in two days. Tomorrow, they will receive the body of Sepoy Shubham Suryakant Mustapure at his village Konerwadi in Parbhani district of Maharashtra, for last rites. Mustapure, who joined the Army two years ago, was killed as Pakistani troops fired mortar bombs at forward posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir today. A pall of gloom has descended on the village as people await the arrival of his body, for the last rites to be performed tomorrow. Mustapure will be cremated with military honours at 4 pm tomorrow, an official said. The soldier’s body is expected to land at Aurangabad airport at 11 am and will be taken to Konerwadi by road, he added. “Shubham recently called his parents and informed them he will be coming home in two days. Now, his body, wrapped in tricolour, will reach here,” a relative of the soldier said. The jawan, who was a bachelor, is survived by parents and grandparents and two younger brothers. While one brother studies in Gangakhed in Parbhani district, another studies at Ahmedpur in Latur district, the kin said. The soldier’s father owns one and a half acres of farm and also supplements his income through tailoring. When Shubham was recruited in the Army two years ago, after completing his 12th class, he had treated the entire village to a grand feast, the relative said.

Soldier killed in Pakistan shelling had told parents he would return

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