"Operation in Anantnag: Security Forces Combat Terror Threat in Challenging Terrain"

 

Rising Death Toll in Anantnag Anti-Terror Operation

In an ongoing anti-terror operation in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, the death toll has risen to three following the death of a civilian who had been injured during the encounter. The incident unfolded in the Ahlan Gagarmandu forest area, located at an elevation of 10,000 feet, where security forces clashed with terrorists on Saturday.

Civilian and Army Personnel Casualties

Officials reported that Abdul Rashid Dar, one of the two civilians injured in the gunfight, succumbed to his injuries in a hospital on Sunday morning. The operation initially resulted in the deaths of two Army personnel and injuries to two civilians. The Army personnel who lost their lives have been identified as Havildar Dipak Kumar Yadav and Lance Naik Praveen Sharma.

Cordon and Search Operation Leads to Gunfight

The confrontation began during a cordon and search operation by security forces, including Army personnel and local police, based on intelligence inputs suggesting the presence of terrorists in the remote forest area of Kokernag. During the search, a group of terrorists opened fire on the joint search parties, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire. Six Army personnel and two civilians were injured in the clash, with the wounded soldiers being rushed to a nearby hospital where two died shortly after arrival.

Challenging Terrain and Reinforcements

The challenging terrain of the area, with its thick undergrowth and large boulders, has posed significant difficulties for the security forces as they continue their operation to track and neutralize the terrorists. Reinforcements have been deployed, and efforts are underway to locate the fleeing militants.

Echoes of Past Operations

This incident echoes a similar operation that occurred in Kokernag last September, during which four security personnel, including Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Ashish, and Deputy SP Humayun Bhat, were killed in a prolonged engagement with terrorists. In that operation, two terrorists, including a senior commander of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), were also neutralized.

Intensified Efforts Following Doda Encounter

Security forces have intensified their efforts in the Kokernag woods following an encounter in Doda district on July 15, which resulted in the deaths of four soldiers, including a captain. The terrorists involved in the recent Anantnag incident are believed to have crossed over from Kishtwar district after escaping the confrontation in Doda.

Intelligence Reports and Terrorist Movements

A defence spokesperson from Srinagar stated that intelligence reports had confirmed the movement of terrorists responsible for previous atrocities in the Doda region. These terrorists reportedly crossed the Kishtwar range into the Kapran-Garol area in south Kashmir. The Rashtriya Rifles and the Jammu and Kashmir Police have been actively tracking these terrorists, launching precise operations in the mountainous region east of Kapran.

Security Forces Continue Pursuit

During the operation on August 10, suspicious movement was detected, prompting security forces to challenge the individuals. In response, the terrorists opened fire indiscriminately, injuring two Army personnel and two civilians. The authorities are investigating the backgrounds of the injured civilians to determine their possible connections to the terrorists.

Tense Situation and Ongoing Operations

The situation remains tense as security forces persist in their pursuit of the terrorists, navigating the challenging terrain and maintaining a heightened state of alertness.