JAMMU, Oct 28: One terrorist was killed during a fierce encounter in the Akhnoor area of Jammu early this morning after an attack on the Army’s medical convoy, which included an ambulance.
“There were four vehicles in the Army’s medical convoy when the terrorists opened fire on the ambulance,” informed PRO Defence, Lt. Col. Suneel Bartwal, while speaking to Rising Kashmir.
“Soon after the terror attack, the Army, backed by Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP), rushed to the spot, and the fierce encounter began.”
The attack occurred around 6:30 AM, approximately 2-3 kilometers from the Line of Control (LoC) in Bhattal, near Khour.
“To track down the terrorists hiding in the Kalidhar jungles, helicopters, drones, and high-tech surveillance equipment have been deployed,” Lt. Col. Bartwal added. The terrorists trapped in the area are believed to number at least three, and the operation is still ongoing.
The area has been cordoned off as the operation continues. The Home Ministry has also dispatched National Security Guards (NSGs) to Jammu, although they are not part of the ongoing operation and remain stationed in Jammu, according to the PRO.
In a statement late afternoon, the Army’s Jammu-based White Knight Corps confirmed, “The body of one terrorist, along with weapons, has been recovered, and operations are underway.”
The encounter in the Bhattal area of Khour was initiated after the terrorists targeted the Army’s medical convoy, which was passing through the main road near the Assan temple in the Jogwan area. The situation remains tense as security forces continue their efforts to eliminate any remaining threats in the area.
Recent attacks in J&K
Oct 26: Terrorists ambushed an army vehicle in Gulmarg’s Bootapatri area, resulting in the deaths of two soldiers and two civilian porters. Three others were injured in the attack.
Oct 24: In Pulwama’s Tral area, terrorists shot and injured a 19-year-old laborer, Shubam Kumar, from Uttar Pradesh. Kumar, the son of Pritam Singh, was identified as the victim.
Oct 20: A terrorist attack at a construction site in Sonamarg’s Ganderbal district left seven dead, including a doctor and six migrant laborers. The victims were working on the Z-Morh tunnel project, an important all-weather link between J&K and Ladakh.
Oct 19: Security forces foiled an infiltration attempt along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kamalkot, Uri sector, killing one terrorist. Officials stated, “This successful operation dealt a severe blow to the plans of terrorists to disrupt peace in the region.”
Oct 18: Ashok Chauhan, a migrant worker from Bihar, was killed by terrorists in Shopian. His bullet-riddled body was found by locals in the Waduna area of Zainapora.
Oct 10: A Territorial Army soldier was found dead after being kidnapped by terrorists in Anantnag. The incident took place on October 8, when two soldiers were abducted during a joint anti-terror operation. While one soldier managed to escape with injuries, the other was killed, police reported.
Army salutes ‘Phantom’, the Canine hero who fell in line of duty
The Army on Monday paid tribute to dog ‘Phantom,’ hailed as a true hero after he was killed during an encounter with terrorists in Akhnoor today.
“We salute the supreme sacrifice of our true hero, a valiant Indian Army dog, Phantom,” stated the White Knight Corps.
As troops were closing in on the trapped terrorists, Phantom drew enemy fire, sustaining fatal injuries. A spokesman remarked, “His courage, loyalty, and dedication can never be forgotten.”
Phantom, a Belgian Malinois, was born on May 25, 2020, and part of the K9 unit, a specialized unit of trained canines who take part in anti-terror and counter-insurgency operations. The male dog was issued from Remount Veterinary Corps, Meerut and was posted on August 12, 2022.
Last year, six-year-old army dog Kent was killed while saving the life of a soldier during an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir. He had been a part of nine operations before that.
