Manipur ambush: A rare cross-border surgical strike by Special Forces

New Delhi, June 09: The Indian Army on Tuesday night issued an official statement on the surgical cross-border operations conducted by Special Forces on the Myanmar border, targeting militants involved in the Manipur ambush.

Quoting Major General Ranbir Singh, Additional Director General of Military Operations (A), the Indian Army said that the troops were on a high-alert following the attack on the security personnel on June 4 in Chandel, Manipur.

"In the course of the last few days, credible and specific intelligence was received about further attacks that were being planned within our territory. These attacks were to be carried out by some of the groups involved in earlier attacks on our security personnel and their allies," Major General Ranbir said. [Manipur ambush: India-Myanmar launch offensive]

He said taking into account the imminent threat, the Indian Army planned an immediate response.

"Based on intelligence, we conducted operations to counter these planned assaults. Early on Tuesday morning, the Indian Army engaged two separate groups of insurgents along the Indo-Myanmar border at two locations, along the Nagaland and Manipur borders. Significant casualties have been inflicted on them. As a consequence, threats to our civilian population and security forces were averted," Major General Ranbir said.

He said that the Indian Army is in close communication with the Myanmar authorities on the matter.

"There is a history of close cooperation between our two militaries. We look forward to working with them to combat such terrorism. While ensuring peace and tranquility along the border and in the border states, any threat to our security, safety and national integrity will meet a firm response," he added.

All Special Forces members extricated safely

Sources told OneIndia that all the Special Forces members who took part in surgical strikes have been extricated safely.
"We have kept the Myanmar government in the loop during the entire breath and length of the operation. As part of the counter-strike strategy, Mi-17 helicopters were used," an official said. [Manipur ambush probe: Wrong data base leads to embarrassing start]

Sources also confirmed that the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) was monitoring the entire operation and backed the Army right from the word go.

The counter-strike by Indian Special Forces is set to boost the morale of the Indian Army, which has been always put on an the offensive mode sighting various reasons. "It's a clear message to all those who are trying to dent the safety of our nation," the official said.

OneIndia News