Four Soldiers Martyred, Three Injured in Anti-Terror Operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch District

Tragic Encounter: Four Soldiers Martyred, Three Injured in Anti-Terror Operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch District

Srinagar: In an unfortunate incident today, four soldiers lost their lives, and three others sustained injuries during a clash with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, as confirmed by the army.

The confrontation unfolded when terrorists ambushed two army vehicles passing through Dera Ki Gali in Rajouri's Poonch region at 3:45 pm. However, the army had initiated an operation in and around Dera Ki Gali, also known as DKG area, since the previous night.

The ongoing encounter stems from a joint operation launched based on credible intelligence in the general area of DKG. Contact with the terrorists was established this evening, leading to the present situation, according to a statement from a defense spokesperson.

This tragic event follows a similar incident last month when five soldiers, including two Captains, lost their lives during an anti-terror operation in Rajouri's Kalakote, carried out by the army and its special forces.

The Rajouri-Poonch region has witnessed an increase in terrorist activities and significant attacks on the army in recent years. In April and May of this year, ten soldiers were killed in twin attacks, marking a concerning trend in an area that had experienced relative calm between 2003 and 2021. Subsequently, encounters with terrorists have become more frequent.

The toll from anti-terror operations in the region has been substantial, with over 35 soldiers losing their lives in the past two years. The situation underscores the persistent threat and challenges faced by security forces in their efforts to maintain peace and security in the region.