Jammu: Two terrorists have been killed in an ongoing encounter in Jammu and Kashmir’s Akhnoor sector along the Line of Control (LoC) after an Army ambulance, part of a convoy, was fired upon by them, triggering a massive operation by special forces and NSG commandos to neutralise the attackers.
The gunfight broke out around 6.30 am on Monday after terrorists targeted the ambulance in the Keri Battal area of Akhnoor. One of the terrorists was killed later in the day while another was gunned down on Tuesday. Security forces believe the attackers were three in number and the hunt is on for the remaining terrorist.
Akhnoor encounter: Massive operation underway
For the first time, the Army deployed four BMP-II infantry combat vehicles for surveillance and to strengthen the perimeter around the attack site near Assan temple in Jogwan village, along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Bhattal area of Khour, officials reported.
The BMP-II, short for Boyevaya Mashina Pekhoty, is a Soviet-era Infantry Combat Vehicle from the 1980s. It features a 30mm fully stabilized automatic cannon, a 7.62mm machine gun, and a Konkurs missile system with a 4-km range for anti-tank capabilities. It accommodates seven soldiers and three crew members and is equipped with night vision and a smoke grenade launcher system, achieving a top speed of 45 km/h.
Helicopters were also deployed to search for the terrorists hiding in the area’s dense jungles. Officials stated that around 6:30 am, the suspected three terrorists, who had reportedly infiltrated into India the previous night, opened fire on an Army convoy, specifically targeting an ambulance. Both occupants, including the driver, escaped unhurt.
As the forces retaliated, the terrorists fled to the nearby forests but were trapped. Two of them have been killed and the third one is being hunted by the security personnel as the operation continues.
Army dog’s martyred in battle
During the counter-terrorist operation, an Army dog named Phantom laid down its life after being fired upon by the enemies, the Army said.
“We salute the supreme sacrifice of our true hero—a valiant Indian Army Dog, Phantom. As our troops were closing in on the trapped terrorists, #Phantom drew enemy fire, sustaining fatal injuries. His courage, loyalty, and dedication will never be forgotten” the Army’s White Knight Corps said.
Update
We salute the supreme sacrifice of our true hero—a valiant #IndianArmy Dog, #Phantom.
As our troops were closing in on the trapped terrorists, #Phantom drew enemy fire, sustaining fatal injuries. His courage, loyalty, and dedication will never be forgotten.
In the… pic.twitter.com/XhTQtFQFJg
— White Knight Corps (@Whiteknight_IA) October 28, 2024
The recent encounter in the Jammu region follows a surge in terrorist activity in Kashmir, where seven attacks over the past two weeks have led to 13 deaths, including two soldiers.
