Four Indian Army soldiers, including a Major, were killed following an encounter on Monday night in Doda district’s Desa forests in Jammu and Kashmir. The clash with terrorists began last evening when Rashtriya Rifles and J&K Police launched search operations in the Desa forest area. Terrorists attempted to escape but were pursued, leading to another firefight. The Indian Army has deployed additional troops, and the operations are currently ongoing.
It is suspected that a significant group of six to eight terrorists were involved, including foreign terrorists much higher than the number assessed initially. As part of the operation, neighbouring units, including 26 RR and 9 RR, were also inducted alongside a Special Forces team, as well as drones and helicopters for the search operation. This extensive deployment underscores the gravity of the situation. Additional troops are also being moved into the area.
Army sources revealed that at least five soldiers, displaying immense bravery, sustained bullet injuries after they chased terrorists into the forests who fled after the brief encounter. The injured were evacuated to the hospital, but four of them later succumbed to injuries. The Nagrota-based White Knight Corps, citing initial reports, had confirmed “injuries to our brave hearts” but did not give details about the injured. It posted on its official handle on ‘X’ that “contact with terrorists was established at about 2100 hrs in which heavy firefight ensued”.
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
In a post on X, the Defence Minister’s office said he had spoken to Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi this morning. The Army Chief apprised Singh of the ground situation and the ongoing counter-terrorist operation in the Doda.
Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh spoke to COAS General Upendra Dwivedi this morning. RM was apprised of the ground situation and the ongoing Counter Terrorist Op in Doda by the Army Chief.
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) July 16, 2024
There has been an uptick in the terrorist attacks in the Jammu division-Poonch-Rajouri axis, and Kathua-Doda. It is the sixth terror strike in this region this year, with 52 security personnel killed in the Jammu division since 2021.
Team BharatShakti
