Terrorists fired at an Indian Air Force (IAF) convoy in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, injuring five force members on Saturday. The attack happened at Sanai village in Surankote.
The Indian Army and police quickly sent reinforcements to gather information. They’re working together to combat the terrorists responsible for the attack, according to the IAF.
Local Rashtriya Rifles unit started search operations in the area. The IAF Garud Special Forces are now stationed where the attack took place.
The IAF secured the vehicles near Shahsitar airbase.
Terrorist Attack on Convoy in Jammu and Kashmir
Five Indian Air Force soldiers sustained injuries during a terrorist attack in Surankote, Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district. The attack targeted two vehicles, one belonging to the IAF. Among the injured, one airman is in critical condition. They were swiftly airlifted to the Command Hospital in Udhampur for further medical attention. Additional troops have been deployed to the area, and counter-terror operations are in progress.
This incident marks the first major assault on the armed forces in the region this year, following a series of attacks on the army last year. Images following the attack depict numerous bullet holes on the vehicle’s windshield.
“Terrorists targeted an Indian Air Force convoy in Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir. Local security forces have initiated search operations in the vicinity. The affected vehicles are now secured within the air base area near Shahsitar. Several military personnel have been injured,” confirmed sources within the security forces.
The personnel were en route to the IAF facility when they were ambushed, according to sources.
Poonch falls within the Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary constituency, scheduled for polling in the sixth phase on May 25th.
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Army and Police Launch Massive Operation in Poonch and Rajouri
Reinforcements from both the army and police have hurried to the area, initiating a large-scale search and cordoning operation to locate and eliminate the terrorists, sources report. Over the past two years, the border district of Poonch and neighboring Rajouri have experienced significant terrorist attacks, marking a resurgence of terror in a region that enjoyed peace from 2003 to 2021.
Officials mentioned that the terrorists, armed with AK assault rifles, targeted an Army truck, inflicting heavy damage, before reportedly fleeing into the nearby forests.
The joint efforts of police and paramilitary forces conducted searches in Poonch town after receiving intelligence about suspicious movements since Friday. However, no arrests were made during the operation, according to officials. Notably, the Bufliaz ambush in December occurred shortly after a major gunfight in the Dharmsal area of Bajimaal forest in Rajouri, resulting in the deaths of five Army personnel, including two captains.
During the two-day long gunfight, two terrorists, one being a top commander of LeT identified as Quari, were eliminated. Quari was allegedly the mastermind behind numerous attacks, including the deaths of 10 civilians and five Army personnel in the district.
The region between Dhera Ki Gali and Bufliaz, straddling the boundary of Rajouri and Poonch, is densely forested, leading to Chamrer forest and then Bhata Dhurian forest, where an ambush on an Army vehicle resulted in the deaths of five soldiers on April 20 last year.
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Terrorist Attack on Convoy in Jammu and Kashmir FAQs
Q.1. What happened in the terrorist attack on the Indian Air Force convoy in Poonch?
Ans. Terrorists fired at an Indian Air Force convoy in Poonch, injuring five personnel.
Q.2. How many soldiers were injured in the attack?
Ans. Five soldiers, including one in critical condition, were injured in the attack.
Q.3. Where were the injured soldiers airlifted for medical treatment?
Ans. The injured soldiers were airlifted to the Command Hospital in Udhampur for further medical attention.
Q.4. What security measures have been taken following the attack?
Ans. Army and police reinforcements have been deployed, and search operations are ongoing. The affected vehicles are secured within the air base area near Shahsitar.
Q.5. Is Poonch a region prone to terrorist activities?
Ans. Yes, Poonch and neighboring Rajouri have witnessed significant terrorist attacks in recent years, prompting heightened security measures in the region.
