Pakistani and Indian officials announced an immediate ceasefire Saturday after days of escalation, sparked by a devastating terrorist attack. The ceasefire was brokered between the two countries with the involvement of US Secretary of State Marko Rubio and Vice President JD Vance, who acted as mediators between the two governments.

The already tense relations between the two countries had been dramatically deteriorating since a terrorist attack on April 22 in the Indian-administered part of the contested region of Kashmir, in which 26 civilians were killed. India accused the Pakistani government of active involvement in the incident, resulting in retaliatory military action by the Indian administration, through the so-called “Operation Sindoor,” claiming to hit “terrorist infrastructure” and resulting in the deaths of over 100 alleged “terrorists” as of May 11. The Pakistani officials had denounced the military action and called it a “heinous act of aggression.” On Saturday, before the ceasefire declaration, Pakistan announced “Operation Bunyan ul Marsoos,” targeting 26 Indian locations with drones and missiles in response.

The international community has expressed deep concerns over the escalating violence in the last couple of weeks. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged both parties to exercise restraint, stressing that “a military solution is no option.” He added that any persons responsible for targeting civilians should be brought to justice through “lawful means.”

Following the ceasefire announcement, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his gratitude towards the US administration, stating:

Pakistan appreciates the United States for facilitating this outcome, which we have accepted in the interest of regional peace and stability… Pakistan believes this marks a new beginning in the resolution of issues that have plagued the region and prevented its journey toward peace, prosperity and stability.

A few hours after the announcement, Indian officials alleged a Pakistani breach of the ceasefire, but have not yet expressed an intent to retaliate. The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday expressed a strong intent in maintaining the ceasefire and resolving the conflict “in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.”