Image Source: india.com
An army officer has been killed in a gunfight with militants in the Assar area of Doda district, near Patnitop in Jammu and Kashmir. Sources reported on Wednesday that the officer, who was leading his team, succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained during the clash. Additionally, a civilian from Hirni village was injured in the exchange of fire.
During the operation, security forces recovered an M4 rifle and four bags from the scene. Evidence of a wounded militant was found, indicated by bloodstains.
The Army’s Northern Command updated the situation on X, stating, “The search for terrorists continues amid heavy firefighting. One officer has been injured while leading the search party. War-like stores have been recovered as operations persist.”
The operation was launched on Tuesday night following intelligence inputs that led to a joint effort by the Indian Army and police in the Akar forest area near Patnitop. The search is ongoing, with officials reporting continued contact with the militants.
On Tuesday, Northern Army Commander Lt Gen M V Suchindra Kumar visited the area to review anti-militancy efforts. He emphasized the need for high operational tempo and coordination with Jammu and Kashmir police and other paramilitary forces.
In light of the recent surge in militant activity, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a meeting with NSA Ajit Doval, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, and other senior officials to assess the security situation.
Since June 12, Doda district has witnessed several militant attacks, resulting in the deaths of four soldiers, including a captain, and three foreign militants during joint operations by security forces and police.
