Terrorists Ambush Army Vehicles in Poonch, Five Soldiers Killed

Terrorists ambushed two Army vehicles in Jammu and Kashmirs Poonch district, resulting in the death of five soldiers and injuries to two others. The attack was claimed by the Peoples Anti-Fascist Front, an offshoot of the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba.

In a tragic incident, five soldiers lost their lives, and two others were injured when heavily armed terrorists ambushed two Army vehicles in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district on Thursday, December 21. The attack occurred at around 3:45 pm when the vehicles were carrying personnel to the site of a cordon-and-search operation. The ambush took place at a blind curve at Dhatyar Morh between Dhera Ki Gali and Bufliaz, falling under the jurisdiction of the Surankote police station.

Condemnation from Former Chief Ministers

The incident drew strong condemnation from two former chief ministers of Jammu and Kashmir. Ghulam Nabi Azad, chairman of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), expressed his grief and termed the attack devastating. He emphasized the alarming nature of terrorism in Jammu and urged the government to take swift and decisive action to ensure the safety of all citizens.

Mehbooba Mufti, president of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), described the incident as terrible and conveyed her deepest condolences to the families of the slain soldiers. She condemned the dastardly attack and expressed solidarity with the bereaved families.

Responsibility Claimed by Terrorist Outfit

The Peoples Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF), an offshoot of the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for the ambush. This revelation adds another layer of concern to the already tense situation in the region.

Ongoing Search Operation

In response to the attack, a joint search operation was launched in the general area of Dhera Ki Gali in the Thanamandi-Surankote region of Poonch. The operation aims to neutralize any remaining threats and gather more information about the incident. The injured soldiers have been admitted to a hospital, and their condition is being closely monitored.

History of Violence in the Region

The ambush in Poonch comes after a series of encounters in the Rajouri and Poonch districts this year. In November, a two-day-long encounter in the Dharmsal belt of the Bajimaal forest area resulted in the deaths of five Army personnel, including two captains, and a top LeT commander. Additionally, in April and May, separate incidents in the Chamrer forest led to the deaths of five and five Army personnel, respectively.

The stretch between Dhera Ki Gali and Bufliaz, located on the boundary of Rajouri and Poonch districts, has seen frequent terrorist activity due to its dense forest cover. This area provides a convenient route for terrorists to infiltrate the Indian side of the border.

Call for Lasting Peace

The recent spate of violence in Jammu and Kashmir has raised concerns about the resurgence of terrorism in the region. Authorities are working diligently to address this threat and ensure the safety of citizens. Former Jammu and Kashmir minister Altaf Bukhari expressed his distress over the loss of brave soldiers and urged the authorities to take necessary measures to establish long-lasting peace in the region.

The ambush in Poonch serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir. The loss of brave soldiers is a profound tragedy, and the nation stands united in condemning such acts of violence. The government must remain vigilant and take all necessary steps to combat terrorism and ensure the safety and security of the people in the region.