Jammu:
On Sunday, security forces launched a massive search operation in many areas of J&K's Poonch district in the wake of the terrorist attack on an Air Force convoy in which one air fighter was killed.
Terrorists attacked an Air Force convoy with two vehicles in Bakrabal Mohalla (Sanai) area of Surankote tehsil of the district on Saturday evening.
The Air Force said on the X-post handle: “In the ensuing firefight with terrorists, the Air Warriors fought back by returning fire. In the process, five IAF personnel sustained bullet injuries and were evacuated to the nearest military hospital for immediate medical attention. One Air Warrior later succumbed to his injuries. Further operations are being carried out by local security forces.”
The four injured air warriors were airlifted to the command hospital at the Northern Command headquarters in Udhampur. One injured air fighter is critical, while the other three are stable according to doctors.
The terror attack was similar to that of December 21, 2023, where the terrorists ambushed an army vehicle, killing four soldiers. The attack took place in Dera Ki Gali area of Bafliaz in Poonch district. Three civilians were later killed under mysterious circumstances, with locals claiming they were killed in retaliation. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh then visited the area to assure citizens that the army was there to protect their lives and property. After the allegation, many top army officers were transferred from Poonch and the command was also overhauled to instill confidence among citizens.
The massive search operation, which began on Sunday morning to track down the terrorists, is being supervised by senior army and police officials, including the GOC, DIG and SSP of the district concerned.
It may be recalled that the border districts of Poonch and Rajouri had remained peaceful between 2021 and 2023.
Terrorist activities returned to these twin districts when the December 21, 2023 terror ambush took place in Poonch district.