Two Pakistani Terrorists Killed in Rajouri Encounter; Army Suffers Casualties

VoM News Desk | November 23, 2023 | 03:37 PM IST | Jammu Kashmir |

In a prolonged 24-hour encounter in Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, two Pakistani terrorists were neutralized by security forces. However, the operation led to the loss of five brave Army soldiers, including four who were killed in the initial gun battle in the Kalakot forests of Rajouri, and another who succumbed to injuries today.

High-Ranked LeT Terrorist Neutralized

One of the eliminated terrorists has been identified as Qari, a high-ranking Pakistani national associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). He was known for his expertise in IEDs, operating in challenging terrains like caves, and as a trained sniper. His presence in the region was part of a strategy to revive terrorism. Qari had been active in the Rajouri-Poonch region for the past year and was believed to be behind the Dangri and Kandi attacks.

Trigger for the Operation

The operation was triggered after terrorists assaulted a local Gujjar in Bajimal village for denying them food. The incident was reported to the security forces by villagers, leading to a massive anti-terrorist operation. The terrorists engaged the troops with heavy firing, exploiting the difficult terrain and dense forests, resulting in the casualties among the Army personnel.

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Challenges in the Dense Forests

The encounter’s duration and the involvement of special forces commandos among the casualties underscore the operational challenges faced by the security forces. The dense forests of the region provide a natural cover for terrorists, complicating the counter-terrorism operations.

Recent Surge in Terrorism in Rajouri-Poonch Region

The Rajouri-Poonch stretch, which had been relatively peaceful since 2003, witnessed a resurgence of terrorist activities in 2021. This resurgence has led to frequent encounters, with over 30 Army troopers losing their lives in the area in the last two years. The terrorists, using the dense forests to their advantage, have often managed to escape, leading to prolonged operations.

The recent events highlight the ongoing security challenges in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in forested and mountainous terrains, and the continual efforts of the security forces in combating terrorism.

VoM News Desk

VoM News is an online web portal in jammu Kashmir offers regional, National & global news.

Two Pakistani Terrorists Killed in Rajouri Encounter; Army Suffers Casualties