An Indian Army vehicle has been ambushed by terrorists allegedly sponsored by Pakistan in the upper reaches of the Poonch sector near the LoC (Line of Control). There are concerns about casualties.
At the same time, Indian Army Counter Terror Operations were actively in progress near the site of the terror attack along the DKG-Buffliaz Road.
“Based on hard intelligence a joint operation was launched in Gen Area DKG last night, contact has been established today evening and an encounter is in progress. Further details are being ascertained,” said officials.
Reinforcements have been dispatched to the area of the ambush site, where ongoing firing has been observed, according to reports in the public domain. The assault on the army truck occurred at Dera Ki Gali (DKG), situated within Poonch’s Surankote area, intensifying security concerns in the region.
During the ambush in the Savni area on the Thanamandi-Surankote road at least three jawans were injured when terrorists fired on the vehicle. The vehicle was carrying jawans from Bufliaz, where since Wednesday a cordon-and-search operation against terrorists has been underway.
An Army spokesperson said “contact” has been established with the terrorists and an exchange of fire was underway in the area. Extra forces rushed to the scene.
Recently, this particular area evolved into a breeding ground for terrorists, witnessing numerous impactful attacks on armed forces.
The Rajouri-Poonch region suffered a severe blow in April and May this year, losing 10 soldiers in twin assaults. After enjoying relative calm from 2003 to 2021, the area faced a resurgence in encounters and confrontations in recent times, disrupting the peace it had experienced for almost two decades.
SITUATION SO FAR
An operation has been conducted in the general area DKG (Dera ki Gali), Thanamandi, Rajouri, since the night of 20 December 23.
At around 3:45 PM on 21 December, two army vehicles carrying troops were moving to the operational site, which were fired upon by the terrorists. The fire was immediately retaliated upon by the Indian Army troops.
In the ongoing operation, Indian Army troops sustained three (03) Fatal and three (03) non-fatal casualties.
Operation is in progress.