Croatian soldiers in Kashmir safe, ministry confirms

(Photo credit: U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Elizabeth O. Bryson/Public domain)

Croatian soldiers serving in the UNMOGIP mission in Kashmir remain safe and unaffected by recent clashes between India and Pakistan, the Croatian Ministry of Defence has confirmed in a statement.

On Tuesday, India launched “Operation Sindoor,” striking nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir with missiles, targeting “terrorist infrastructure.”

Pakistan reported three civilian deaths, including a child, and vowed to retaliate.

Both countries have engaged in intermittent small-arms fire across the Line of Control (LoC) since April 24, violating the 2003 ceasefire agreement.

The seven members of the Croatian Armed Forces currently deployed as military observers in the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) are reported to be safe, with no immediate threat to their security.

The Croatian Ministry of Defence stated that the soldiers were stationed at their posts, located 10 to 30 kilometres from the Line of Control, during the recent flare-up in the region.

The ministry remains in constant contact with the peacekeepers, ensuring their safety and well-being.

The UNMOGIP mission, established under UN Security Council Resolutions 47 (1948) and 91 (1951), is tasked with monitoring the ceasefire between Indian and Pakistani security forces in Kashmir and facilitating the withdrawal of armed forces to their respective territories.

Croatia has been a contributor to this mission since August 2002.