Exchange of Fire Between Security Forces and Terrorists in Doda District

PTK NEWS DESK

JAMMU, July 17: Security forces and terrorists exchanged fire twice briefly within a span of four hours in a forest area in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district, officials reported on Wednesday.

The first exchange of fire occurred at Kalaan Bhata at 10:45 PM on Tuesday, followed by another exchange near Panchan Bhata at 2:00 AM during an ongoing anti-terrorist operation in the Desa forest area. This operation has been active since four Army personnel were martyred in the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday.

Officials confirmed that there are no reports of casualties in the latest exchanges. The terrorists managed to escape, taking advantage of the darkness, challenging terrain, and dense foliage.

The joint cordon and search operation was launched by the Rashtriya Rifles and the Special Operations Group of Jammu and Kashmir Police at Dhari Gote Urarbagi in the Desa forest belt, approximately 55 km from Doda town, late on Monday evening. This operation followed credible intelligence about the presence of terrorists in the area.

Despite the adverse terrain and weather conditions, security forces are determined to track down and neutralize the militants. These terrorists are believed to be affiliated with the banned Pakistan-based group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM).

The Army, supported by para commandos, drones, and helicopters, is intensifying its search to eliminate the infiltrators who have taken refuge in the forest area. In a statement on Tuesday, the Army emphasized its commitment to conducting joint and coordinated operations with the Jammu and Kashmir Police to eradicate foreign terrorists who have infiltrated from across the border. These terrorists are believed to be moving through the upper reaches of Udhampur, Doda, and Kishtwar districts before proceeding to Kashmir.

“All formations of the Northern Command are committed to eliminating the scourge of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir for which the relentless operations will continue,” the Army asserted.