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| Credit: @Picture Alliance/ DPA |
Indian Border Security Forces (BSF) shot dead a Pakistani man attempting to cross into India’s Gujarat state near the Banaskantha district on Friday night, May 23, 2025. The intruder was spotted advancing towards the border fence after crossing the international boundary, and despite repeated challenges from the troops, he continued to move forward, prompting the BSF to open fire and neutralize him on the spot.
The BSF confirmed the incident in an official statement, emphasizing the vigilance of their personnel amid heightened tensions along the India-Pakistan border following recent cross-border hostilities. The Banaskantha district lies opposite Pakistan’s southeastern Sindh province, a sensitive area under strict surveillance.
This shooting comes just weeks after a deadly Islamist militant attack near Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir on April 22, which killed 26 civilians. India blamed Pakistan-backed militants for the assault. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Despite a US-brokered ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan on May 10, border incidents like this highlight the fragile nature of peace along the frontier. The BSF continues to maintain a strong presence and has been cooperating closely with the Indian Air Force to counter infiltration attempts and drone threats.
Investigations into the identity and motives of the intruder are ongoing, with security forces maintaining high alert to prevent further incursions.
The incident underscores ongoing volatility along the India-Pakistan border despite recent ceasefire efforts.