Jammu: The joint team of security forces have eliminated two terrorists while one jawan was martyred and an Army dog sacrificed life while protecting her handler during two days long counter insurgency operation in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir.
A senior officer here on Wednesday said that on September 7, input was received about two unidentified persons with bags in general area Mathiyani Gala, Rajouri District.
“Based on this input domination plan and intelligence operations were launched jointly by Indian Army, J&K Police and sister intelligence agencies,” he said adding that on September 11, two unidentified individuals with bags were again spotted by the patrol in the forest area and on being challenged, taking advantage of poor visibility compounded with adverse weather conditions, they started running.
“On visual confirmation of weapons with them, own party fired on them and it is likely that one of them got injured. The joint cordon of the area was done along with police and night enabled surveillance devices were pressed into service to deny any escape of the terrorists,” he added.
The officer said that early on September 12, during the search of the area, a bag left behind by the terrorists was found which contained Pak marking medicines among other things, adding, “Army Dog Kent was employed and the trail of the terrorists was followed for some distance.” However, owing to rains and moisture, the trail was lost but the parties continued in the general direction and after some distance some blood was noticed.
“Army Dog Kent was again employed and she (female Labrador) picked up this trail and the party started closing in. Seeing the party moving closer the terrorists hiding in the thick overgrowth opened fire at point blank range at around 1515 hours,” he added.
He said that initial fire hit Kent, her handler and another soldier covering the move, adding, “the party continued to close in undeterred to prevent the terrorists from escaping. In the ensuing heavy fire-fight, displaying exceptional courage, own troops successfully neutralised one terrorist.”
“In the operations so far, Army Dog Kent was fatal, while three other soldiers and an SPO were injured. Casualty evacuation of soldiers was done, however, since the terrorist fire was going on, body of Kent could not be retrieved,” they added and said that later, one of the three soldiers succumbed to his injuries and other two and a police SPO were evacuated to the Military Hospital.
“Fire fighting continued throughout the night to ensure terrorists do not get away,” he said, adding that on Wednesday the second terrorist was spotted and a firefight commenced, during which another soldier was injured. Finally, at around 1130 hours, the second terrorist was neutralised.
Due to the thick undergrowth further move was done deliberately. In the operations two likely foreign terrorists along with two Ak series rifles and packs with administrative and logistic stores were recovered, he said.
“The success of the operation is an apt testimony of the coordination and cooperation existing between the various agencies involved. The incident once again demonstrates the stoic resolve of the Security Forces to deny any opportunity to the terrorists to disrupt peace and tranquillity of the region,” the officer added.
UNI
Rajouri Op: Two terrorists killed, jawan martyred, arms recovered is added by Agencies on View all posts by Agencies →
Subscribe THE MORN
