Security forces launched a fresh fire assault in the forests of Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, as the intensified hunt for Pakistani terrorists continued for the second consecutive day. The operation, which began on Tuesday following intelligence inputs about the presence of heavily armed militants, saw fierce exchanges of gunfire between the troops and the hiding terrorists.
Details of the Operation
The encounter took place in the dense forest area of Thanamandi in Rajouri, where a joint team of the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and paramilitary forces cordoned off the region. The security forces used heavy weaponry, including mortars and machine guns, to target the suspected hideout of the terrorists. According to officials, the fire assault was aimed at flushing out the militants who are believed to be Pakistani nationals.
Intelligence-Led Operation
The operation was launched based on specific intelligence about the infiltration of a group of terrorists from across the Line of Control (LoC). The security forces have been on high alert in the region, which has witnessed a surge in terrorist activities in recent months. The forested terrain of Rajouri and Poonch has become a preferred route for infiltrators due to its dense vegetation and difficult topography.
Officials stated that the fire assault was carefully planned to avoid collateral damage, with the troops advancing cautiously through the forest. The exchange of fire lasted for several hours, with intermittent lulls as the security forces regrouped and reassessed the situation. No casualties have been reported among the security forces so far, while the extent of damage to the terrorists remains unknown.
Ongoing Search Operations
The search operations in the area are still underway, with the security forces conducting thorough combing of the forest. The use of drones and sniffer dogs has been employed to track the movements of the terrorists. The local population has been advised to stay indoors, and a curfew-like situation has been imposed in the surrounding villages to ensure safety.
The fresh fire assault underscores the heightened security posture in Jammu and Kashmir, especially in the border districts. The Indian security forces remain committed to neutralizing the threat posed by foreign terrorists and maintaining peace in the region. The operation is expected to continue until the area is completely sanitized.
