New Delhi, July 16: Four army personnel, including a Major, tragically lost their lives following an encounter on Monday night in the dense forests of Desa in Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir.
The incident unfolded when gunfire erupted between Uddan Bagi and Dheri Goth areas of Dessa district around 7:45 pm. Security forces, conducting a search operation in the region, came under sudden attack from terrorists concealed in the forests. A fierce exchange of fire ensued, lasting nearly half an hour. Following the initial engagement, no further firing was reported from the terrorists.
Initial assessments suggest the involvement of a group of six to eight terrorists, possibly including foreign militants, indicating a larger presence than initially anticipated.
In response to the situation, additional units such as the 26 RR and 9 RR, alongside special forces, drones, and helicopters, were deployed for the search operation. Reinforcements are also being mobilized to bolster security in the area.
During the operation, five soldiers sustained gunshot wounds while pursuing the fleeing terrorists into the forest. Despite evacuation to a hospital, four of the injured soldiers succumbed to their injuries.
The incident underscores the ongoing challenges and risks faced by security forces in combating terrorism in the region.
