Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since the two nations gained independence from British rule in 1947. Both countries assert their claims over the territory, which has been the site of numerous violent clashes over the decades, resulting in the deaths of thousands of individuals.

Two Indian Army soldiers and two civilian porters were killed in a rebel ambush in Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials reported on Friday. This incident follows closely on the heels of an attack earlier in the week, in which gunmen killed seven construction workers in the disputed region.

The ambush took place in the Bota Pathri area near Kashmir's border with Pakistan. Officials stated that, in addition to the two soldiers, two army porters also lost their lives in the attack, and three other soldiers were wounded.

The Indian Army confirmed there was an "exchange of fire" with "terrorists," specifying that the encounter occurred late Thursday near Gulmarg, close to the heavily militarized and unofficial border separating Indian-controlled Kashmir from Pakistan.

India’s Chinar Corps army unit paid tribute to the slain soldiers in a post on X (formerly Twitter), offering "deepest condolences" and "solidarity with the bereaved families."

The Kashmir region has seen a surge in violence in recent months. In July, at least nine soldiers were killed in two separate militant attacks. Meanwhile, a new government was recently formed in the territory after an opposition alliance won the election, taking control in a region where separatist militants have been engaged in a prolonged conflict with security forces. This violence has resulted in thousands of casualties over the decades.

Kashmir has been a disputed region between India and Pakistan since 1947 when both nations gained independence from British rule, and each claims the region in full.

The recent string of attacks follows the opposition alliance's election victory, heightening tensions in a territory already fraught with strife. India has repeatedly accused Pakistan of backing the separatist militancy in Kashmir, labeling it as Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. Pakistan, however, denies this, countering that the insurgency is a homegrown fight for autonomy.

Many Kashmiris view the movement as a legitimate struggle for independence, underscoring the complexity and volatility of the Kashmir conflict.