In a tragic development, four Indian Army soldiers, including a Major, lost their lives in a fierce encounter with terrorists in the Desa area of Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir. The encounter, initiated on Monday (July 15) based on specific intelligence regarding the terrorist presence, escalated into a heavy firefight upon contact with the militants at approximately 9 pm.
Officials reported that a joint operation was launched by the Indian Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police following the exchange of fire.
“Four Indian Army soldiers, including an officer, have been killed in action during an encounter with terrorists in the Doda area of Jammu and Kashmir. The operations are still going on,” Defence officials said.
Op KOTHI – 2
Based on specific intelligence inputs, a joint operation by #IndianArmy and JKP was in progress in General area North of #Doda.
Contact with terrorists was established tonight at about 2100h in which heavy firefight ensued. Initial reports suggest injuries to our…
— White Knight Corps (@Whiteknight_IA) July 15, 2024
The initial skirmish resulted in injuries to several soldiers, with at least five critically wounded. Additional troops were swiftly deployed to reinforce the security cordon in the affected area.
Earlier on Monday (July 15), Jammu and Kashmir Police recovered old-rusted arms and ammunition from a terrorist hideout in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Four Indian Army soldiers killed during an #encounter with terrorists
The encounter took place in Jammu’s #Doda district on Monday
This was the second major encounter in the Jammu region after five soldiers lost their lives in #Kathua last week
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) July 16, 2024
The recovery items include 30 rounds of AK-47, one magazine of AK-47 rifle, and one HE-36 hand grenade, as per the officials.
“During the search and cordon operation, the police party recovered old-rusted arms and ammunition from Dalantop area of Shikari,” officials said in a press release.
This incident marks the second major encounter in the Jammu region within a week, following a similar tragic event in Kathua where five soldiers were killed in action.
Recent months have seen a resurgence of terrorist activities across various districts of Jammu, previously considered relatively peaceful. Concerns have heightened with reports indicating the presence of over 60 foreign terrorists adept in jungle warfare operating in the region.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently underscored the necessity for a comprehensive deployment of anti-terrorist capabilities by the Army to counter the growing threat of terrorism in Jammu. The government’s resolve to eliminate terrorism from the region remains steadfast amid mounting casualties among security personnel.
As the security situation continues to evolve in Jammu and Kashmir, efforts are ongoing to neutralise terrorist elements and restore peace in the region.
