India and Pakistan, both modern nuclear powers, have gone to war in 1947, 1965, 1971 and 1999, along with numerous military operations other than war (MOOTW), skirmishes and standoffs. Control of Kashmir has been the principle cause of all major conflicts between the two countries, with the exception of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.

A short time ago, the Indian Air Force crossed the Line of Control (LoC) by several miles within Pakistani-administered Kashmir and dropped ordnance. The action comes following a suicide bombing attack on an Indian security convoy in Pulwama, in Indian-administered Kashmir. If reports are accurate, this will be the first time since the 1971 that the Indian Air Force has crossed the LoC.

This is a dangerous situation. Many defense experts speculate that the next war between India and Pakistan will be with a nuclear backdrop.

AlertsUSA is monitoring the situation and will provide additional alerts as events warrant.