Some details are clouded by contradictory statements and disinformation. But a pattern of rapid escalation brought the conflict to the brink of catastrophe.

Pakistan's army said on Tuesday that more than 50 people were killed in last week's military clashes with India which ended in a ceasefire agreed by the nuclear-armed neighbours, restoring peace to their border.

India and Pakistan agreed to an immediate ceasefire mediated by the US, though each of the nuclear-armed powers soon accused the other of violating the truce.