In a significant counterterrorism operation, the Indian Army successfully repelled an infiltration bid by eliminating two Pakistani terrorists along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. The operation took place in the Balakote sector and marks a crucial achievement in maintaining border security.
According to an Indian Army spokesperson, the bodies of the terrorists could not be retrieved as they managed to escape across the LoC before succumbing to injuries sustained during a confrontation with the Army. Recovered from the site of the gunfight were significant items including one AK-47 rifle, two magazines, 30 rounds of ammunition, two hand grenades, and medicines of Pakistani origin.
Lt Col Suneel Bartwal, a Jammu-based defence PRO, explained the sequence of events leading to the successful operation. Based on intelligence inputs from various sources, it was revealed that terrorists were planning to cross the LoC from the opposite Balakote sector. As a result, the Indian Army heightened its surveillance and established multiple ambushes at strategic locations.
Alert troops spotted the two Pakistani terrorists attempting to infiltrate into Indian territory. The challenging conditions of inclement weather, dense fog, thick foliage, and uneven terrain in the Hamirpur area of Balakote did not deter the vigilant troops.
The Army engaged the terrorists in a firefight, forcing them to retreat and flee the ambush site. One of the terrorists was injured and fell near the LoC. Subsequent search operations led to the discovery of an AK-47 rifle, magazines, ammunition, grenades, and Pakistani medicines. Blood trails were also detected, indicating that both terrorists were injured.
Despite their injuries, the infiltrators managed to return across the LoC and later succumbed to their wounds. Lt Col Bartwal emphasized that Indian troops remain on high alert and maintain vigilance to thwart any future infiltration attempts from across the border.
This incident marks the second time this month that the Indian Army has effectively countered an infiltration attempt along the LoC in the Poonch district. The Army’s proactive approach to border security and its commitment to safeguarding the nation against such threats continue to play a critical role in maintaining stability in the region.