An Army officer was killed in action on Wednesday following a clash with a group of four terrorists in the Assar area of Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir. A civilian was also injured in the incident.
The encounter began after the Army was informed of the terrorists’ hideout on Tuesday evening. Following a brief exchange of fire overnight, the operation resumed the next morning. Security forces have recovered a US-made M4 assault rifle and three rucksacks with various equipment from the scene.
This attack comes just one day before Independence Day celebrations and as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to chair a security review meeting with senior officials, including Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
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In response to a recent surge in terrorist activities targeting civilians and military personnel, the government is implementing a new security strategy for Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier this month, two soldiers were killed in an encounter in Anantnag district, where two civilians were also injured. This incident occurred during a routine anti-terror patrol in the Kokernag forests, an area where previous attacks have also claimed lives, including a Commanding Officer, a Major, and a Deputy Superintendent of Police last September.
Last month, a soldier was killed and another injured in an encounter in Kupwara district, where a “Pakistani intruder” was reported eliminated. This attack followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement on Kargil Vijay Diwas, emphasizing the Army’s commitment to overcoming terror threats.
US-made assault rifle recovered in ongoing anti-terror operation in J&K’s Udhampur (Ld)
Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district recovered a US-made M4 assault rifle during an ongoing anti-terror operation in the Akar Forests. One terrorist was injured but evaded capture by hiding in the dense forest. The operation, which began after security forces located the terrorists, continues with two to three militants believed to be trapped. The Army has deployed over 4,000 elite soldiers to counter hit-and-run attacks by foreign mercenaries in the region’s hilly districts.