
In the aftermath of the terrorist attack on a convoy of the Air Force resulting in the death of one air warrior, security forces initiated a large-scale search operation on Sunday across various areas of Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district. The attack occurred on Saturday evening when terrorists targeted a two-vehicle convoy of the Air Force in the Bakrabal Mohalla (Sanai) area of Surankote tehsil in the district. In response, the Air Force personnel engaged in a gunfight with the terrorists, during which five IAF personnel sustained bullet injuries. They were promptly evacuated to the nearest military hospital for urgent medical treatment, but unfortunately, one air warrior succumbed to his injuries later. The remaining four injured air warriors were airlifted to the command hospital in Udhampur, with one in critical condition while the other three are reported to be stable according to medical professionals.
This terror attack bore resemblance to a previous incident on December 21, 2023, when terrorists ambushed an Army vehicle, resulting in the deaths of four soldiers in the Dera Ki Gali area of Bafliaz in Poonch district. Subsequently, three civilians were found dead under suspicious circumstances, with locals alleging retaliation by the terrorists. To reassure civilians, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the area, emphasizing the Army’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property. Following these events, significant changes were made within the Army’s command structure in Poonch, aiming to restore confidence among the local populace.
The ongoing massive search operation, which commenced on Sunday morning, is under the supervision of senior Army and police officials, including the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Deputy Inspector General (DIG), and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of the concerned district. It’s noteworthy that the border districts of Poonch and Rajouri had experienced relative peace between 2021 and 2023. However, terrorist activities resurged in these areas following the December 21, 2023, ambush, underscoring the renewed security challenges facing the region.