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

NEW DELHI — India and Pakistan agreed to an immediate ceasefire on Saturday, halting days of clashes that killed dozens of people and pushed the nuclear-armed neighbors to the brink of war.

India and Pakistan agreed to an immediate ceasefire on Saturday, unexpectedly halting the worst fighting in decades between the nuclear-armed neighbors, just when their tit-for-tat strikes appeared to be spiraling out of control.