SRINAGAR: A group of foreign terrorists, believed to have recently crossed into India from near the Line of Control (LoC), launched an attack on an Army vehicle in Battal village, close to Khour Police Station.
After round-the-clock surveillance throughout the night, an intense firefight unfolded today morning resulting in the elimination of all three terrorists. The operation also saw the successful recovery of war-like stores.
Army deployed Special Forces, Quick Response Teams, four BMP-II combat vehicles, drones, and helicopters in the pursuit to locate and neutralize the terrorists. The search was suspended at dusk but will resume at daybreak, with security cordons tightened to prevent any escape under cover of night.
Eyewitnesses told The New Indian that the terrorists initially appeared at a temple in Jogwan around 6:30 pm, warning worshippers to vacate as gunfire was imminent. Shortly after, the terrorists spotted an Army ambulance and fired at it, but the driver managed to evade, safeguarding himself and another passenger. Security teams quickly surrounded the area, and one terrorist took cover in an underground bunker beneath the temple hall, while the others dispersed into the forest.
Special forces intensified their efforts, deploying additional tactical equipment, including helicopters and BMP-II armoured vehicles—armed with anti-tank missiles and night vision.
Tragically, the operation claimed the life of Phantom, a heroic Belgian Malinois Army dog who sustained fatal injuries while drawing enemy fire to shield his team. The White Knight Corps honoured Phantom’s loyalty and sacrifice.
Official sources told The New Indian that terrorists infiltrated to conduct a large-scale attack targeting security forces before Diwali. Local defence groups were also engaged in joint searches with security teams.
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This incident adds to a recent surge in terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, where multiple incidents have resulted in 13 casualties, including two soldiers, over the past two weeks.