In the aftermath of a suspected terrorist attack on an Army convoy, security forces have initiated an extensive cordon and search operation in the Krishna Ghati sector of Poonch to apprehend the assailants. As of Saturday, officials reported no contact with the hiding terrorists for the second consecutive day.
A senior Army officer informed Rising Kashmir that an ongoing anti-terror operation is facing challenges in the dense and rugged terrain. Despite adverse weather conditions, the forces have employed drones and advanced equipment to track the terrorists in the thick forests of Poonch. The operation, which includes para-commandos, faces difficulties due to limited visibility caused by dense foliage.
“Tracking terrorists in dense forests is a little bit challenging due to the dense foliage, limited visibility. We are using both aerial and sniffer dogs to track the terrorists,” the official stated. Drones and helicopters are supporting the troops in the jungle, maintaining a tight security cordon in the entire forest belt to locate the terrorists.
The targeted group is believed to be the same one responsible for ambushing an army truck and killing four soldiers in December 2023. Authorities express optimism in eliminating the entire group involved in these deadly attacks.
This marks the second terror attack on the Army in the region within a few weeks, following an ambush in Poonch’s Dera Ki Gali that claimed four soldiers’ lives and injured five others. The Pir Panjal region, comprising Rajouri and Poonch, remained free from terrorism since 2003. However, major attacks have resurged since October 2021, resulting in the deaths of 20 soldiers, including officers and commandos, in the last seven months, and over 35 soldiers in the past two years.
Expressing concern over the recent surge in terrorism in Poonch and Rajouri areas, Army Chief General Manoj Pande outlined a nine-point action plan on Thursday. He emphasized the need for improved intelligence gathering and better coordination with police and local security officials to address the growing challenges in Rajouri.
