Poonch terror attack | Massive operation on to nab terrorists | tragic loss of 4 soldiers
On December 22, a comprehensive combing operation was undertaken to apprehend a group of terrorists responsible for Thursday’s ambush, which targeted army vehicles and resulted in the tragic loss of four soldiers, with three others sustaining injuries. The ongoing operation is concentrated in the dense forest areas of Dehra Ki Gali and Bufliyaz in Poonch’s Surankote subdivision.
In response to the incident, the military has escalated its efforts, combining aerial surveillance with intensified ground combing operations. The objective is to locate and neutralize the terrorists involved in the attack, ensuring the safety and security of the region. The operation reflects a determined commitment to restoring peace and safeguarding the lives of both military personnel and civilians in the affected areas.
On Thursday, a group of terrorists ambushed two Indian Army vehicles in the Rajouri district of Jammu & Kashmir, resulting in at least four soldiers killed and three injured. The attack occurred at a blind curve known as Dhatyar Morh between the Dera ki Gali (DKG) area and Bulfiaz. The vehicles were en route to an active operation aimed at apprehending terrorists in the DKG area.
Defence spokesperson Lt Col Suneel Bartwal provided details, stating that the operation had been ongoing in the DKG area since Wednesday night. Around 3:45 pm on Thursday, terrorists fired upon two army vehicles carrying troops to the operational site. The army immediately retaliated, and the personnel involved belonged to the army’s 48 Rashtriya Rifles (48RR) unit.
Initially reporting three fatal and three non-fatal casualties, the army later updated the toll to four, with uncertainty about whether the fourth death was among the initially injured. The identities and ranks of the deceased and injured were not disclosed at the time of the report.
The area of Thursday’s attack, while not as close to the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan as previous incidents, was described as treacherous with hilly terrain and dense jungles. The terrorists reportedly ambushed the vehicles with indiscriminate fire, causing significant damage, particularly to the lead vehicle, a Maruti Gypsy.
The ongoing operation at DKG, launched based on “hard intelligence” about the presence of terrorists, underscores the challenges faced by security forces in the region. The attack marks the sixth incident since October 2021 in the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch, with a total of 29 army personnel losing their lives in these attacks. The terrain and circumstances highlight the complexity of counter-terrorism efforts in the region, with security forces responding promptly to the situation.
In addition to on-ground searches, the army is employing aerial surveillance using advanced equipment and drones to cover the expansive terrain. More operational teams and heavy reinforcements have been swiftly dispatched to the area to enhance search efforts.
Despite the ongoing operation, no official statements have been released by the army or police as of today, maintaining a level of operational discretion during the course of the mission. The collaborative and comprehensive approach reflects the determination to address security concerns and ensure the safety of the region.