New Delhi: In a tragic development, three Army jawans and an officer succumbed to critical injuries sustained during a fierce gunfight with heavily armed terrorists in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir early Tuesday morning. #WATCH | Morning visuals from the Doda area of Jammu & Kashmir.An Encounter started late at night in the Dessa area of Doda in which some of the Indian Army troops got injured.(Visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/ZQdSSRSjun— ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2024Attack claimed by Kashmir TigersThe deadly encounter was claimed by Kashmir Tigers, identified as a shadow group affiliated with the Pakistan-backed terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM).Details of the encounterThe operation unfolded when troops of Rashtriya Rifles and the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a joint cordon and search operation at Dhari Gote Urarbagi in the Desa forest belt, located approximately 55 km from Doda town. The operation commenced late Monday evening and quickly escalated into a confrontation.After an initial exchange of fire, the terrorists attempted to flee but were pursued by the troops, led by an officer, through challenging terrain and dense foliage. Another intense firefight ensued around 9 pm in the forested area, resulting in five soldiers sustaining critical injuries. Tragically, four of them, including the officer, later succumbed to their wounds, as confirmed by officials.Groups statement and search operation underwayIn a statement, Kashmir Tigers claimed the clash erupted as security forces conducted a search operation targeting the Mujahideen. Security forces remain on high alert across Jammu and Kashmir following a series of recent terror incidents in the region. Additional troops have been mobilized to intensify ongoing operations, underscoring efforts to maintain security amidst heightened tensions.The Indian Armys 16 Corps, known as the White Knight Corps, confirmed the engagement with terrorists and noted initial reports of casualties among its personnel during the encounter. The incident marks a continuation of heightened security operations in the region, following recent clashes and infiltration attempts along the Line of Control and other sensitive areas.Background of recent incidentsRecent weeks have seen several incidents of violence in Jammu and Kashmir, including successful operations against terrorists in Kupwara and Kulgam districts, and tragic losses in Kathua district. The persistence of such incidents underscores the ongoing challenges faced by security forces in the region. The situation remains tense as security operations continue to root out terrorist activities and ensure the safety of civilians and personnel operating in the region.
