Updates: India, Pakistan Launch Probes after Blasts in New Delhi, Islamabad
Two major explosions rocked the capitals of New Delhi in India and Islamabad in Pakistan, killing dozens and heightening tensions between the long-rival nations. Indian authorities say at least 13 people died in New Delhi, and Pakistani officials report at least 12 killed in Islamabad. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
In New Delhi, a car explosion near the historic Red Fort Metro Station on Monday evening killed at least 12 people and wounded many more. Post-mortem results reveal horrific injuries — ruptured eardrums, damaged lungs and multiple fractures — indicating a high-intensity blast. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Indian investigators, led by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), have treated the incident as terror-linked and launched a full-scale probe. Authorities are examining CCTV footage, forensic evidence and tracking the movement of the vehicle. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Meanwhile in Islamabad on Tuesday a suicide bombing struck outside the district and sessions court complex on Srinagar Highway, killing at least 12 people and injuring more than 30. Pakistan’s federal interior minister blamed “Indian proxies” for orchestrating the attack — a charge New Delhi has not accepted. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Cross-Border Tensions Flare
The near-simultaneous attacks have stirred anxieties across the region. While India has expressed caution in directly accusing Islamabad of involvement, Pakistan has openly pointed the finger at New Delhi. Analysts say India’s reticence is shaped by its own prior doctrine that any terrorist attack could be treated as an act of war. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
What We Know So Far
- Investigators in India say the Red Fort area car was registered in Kashmir and had travelled across expressways before exploding in Delhi. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
- In Pakistan, the bomber targeted a heavily populated judicial complex at lunch-time, when many lawyers and civilians were present. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
- Media analysis in Pakistan noted strong coverage of the Delhi blast, using the term “anti-terror probe” and focusing on India’s invocation of tough laws. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Why It Matters
The dual incidents underscore escalating fragility between India and Pakistan — both nuclear-armed neighbours with a history of conflict. The fact that both capitals were struck within days raises questions about whether militant networks or proxy actors are exploiting the rivalry.
For India, this blast challenges its security perimeter in the national capital and triggers questions over links to Kashmir-based networks. For Pakistan, the attack near a court complex in Islamabad fuels concerns about internal militant threats and cross-border blame games.
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