The China Mail - Pakistan says 51 killed in India clashes last week

The nuclear-armed neighbours engaged in four days of tit-for-tat strikes that threatened to escalate into all-out war before US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire Saturday he said Washington brokered.

Pakistan's army said in a statement that India's "unprovoked and reprehensible dastardly attacks" killed 40 civilians, including seven women and 15 children.

"While defending the motherland with exemplary valour, 11 personnel of the Pakistan Armed Forces embraced martyrdom and 78 were wounded," it said.

"Let there be no ambiguity: any attempt to challenge Pakistan’s sovereignty or territorial integrity, ever again, shall be met with a swift, full-spectrum, and decisive response", it added.

Previously Pakistan's official toll was 33 civilians with no military losses.

India has said that 15 civilians and five soldiers died.

Despite mutual claims on initial violations, the ceasefire still appeared to be holding on Tuesday.

Trump said Monday that US intervention had prevented a "bad nuclear war".

"We stopped a nuclear conflict... millions of people could have been killed. So I'm very proud of that," he told reporters at the White House.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a televised address to the nation on Monday that Pakistan has chosen to attack rather than help it fight "terrorism".

"If another terrorist attack against India is carried out, a strong response will be given," he said.

A post from his account on X Tuesday said he had met with service members involved in the conflict.

"It was a very special experience to be with those who epitomise courage, determination and fearlessness. India is eternally grateful to our armed forces for everything they do for our nation.," he said.

The latest flare-up followed an April 22 attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir which killed 26 people.

India accused Pakistan of backing the attack, but Islamabad denied involvement.

- 'Terrorist camps' -

The fighting began before dawn last Wednesday, when India launched missile attacks destroying what it called "terrorist camps" in the Pakistan-administered part of Kashmir.

Each side then accused the other of launching waves of warplane and drone strikes, as well as missile and artillery bombardments that killed at least 60 people on both sides.

"If Pakistan wants to survive, it will have to destroy its terror infrastructure," Modi said Monday.

"India will strike with precision and decisiveness against the terrorist groups thriving under the cover of nuclear blackmail.

"India's stand is very clear. Terror and talks cannot go together... Terror and trade cannot go together... Water and blood cannot flow together."

The flare-up in violence was the worst since the rivals' last open conflict in 1999 and sparked global shudders that it could spiral into full-blown war.

Pakistan's military statement Tuesday listed the highest ranked service member to be killed in the latest conflict as an airforce squadron leader.

The military has said it downed five Indian jets, but has not admitted losing any aircraft of its own.

India has not disclosed losing any aircraft.

burs-stu/fox

B.Clarke--ThChM