[ad_1]
By India Today News Desk: Five soldiers were killed in a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district on Thursday when unidentified terrorists fired at an Army vehicle moving from Bhimber Gali to Sangiot in the district, officials said. One Army personnel was injured and was evacuated immediately to the Army Hospital in Rajouri where he is being treated for his injuries.
The forces are scouring the area for terrorists. Senior officials, including the additional director general of police (Jammu), are rushing to Poonch.
The incident took place around 3 pm in the district’s Rajouri sector. The vehicle immediately caught fire, likely due to the use of grenades in the attack, the Northern Command said in a statement.
Also Read | 5 jawans killed in J&K’s Poonch as terrorists attack Army vehicle, grenades likely used
Visuals from the spot showed the vehicle engulfed in flame as Army and police personnel cordoned off the area.
Here’s what we know so far:
– Terrorists fired upon an Army vehicle taking advantage of the heavy rain and low visibility in the area, the Northern Command said. The jawans killed in the firing were from the Rashtriya Rifles Unit and were deployed for counter-terrorism operations in the area.
– According to sources, the firing was carried out from three sides, followed by a grenade attack. The fuel tank caught fire, they added. Officials suspect the involvement of four terrorists.
– Jaish-backed terror group, People’s Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF), has claimed responsibility for the attack, sources said.
– The attack took place near the site of a 2021 encounter that lasted several weeks. Despite an intense search operation, the terrorists had managed to flee the spot and changed their locations.
Also Read | Pak citizens try to cross LoC, made to go back by Indian Army
– Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted after the attack and expressed his anguish. “Anguished by the tragedy in Poonch District (J&K), where the Indian Army has lost its brave soldiers after a truck caught fire. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the bereaved families.” His tweet came minutes before the Army said the soldiers were killed in a terror strike.
– Rajnath Singh was briefed by the Army Chief, General Manoj Pande, about the terrorist attack. The troops on the ground are keeping a watch on the situation and taking appropriate action, news agency ANI reported, citing defence sources.
– Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha condoled the deaths of the five jawans and said: “I am deeply anguished by the loss of lives of brave Army personnel in a tragic incident at Poonch. Their rich service to the nation will never be forgotten. My thoughts are with the bereaved families.”
Also Read | Infiltration bid foiled along LoC in J-K’s Poonch
[ad_2]
