Gunfight in Anantnag leaves two soldiers injured; Clash continues

In a dramatic escalation of violence, two soldiers sustained injuries during a fierce gunbattle with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district today. The clash occurred in the Ahlan Gadole area of Anantnag, where the encounter began this afternoon.

According to police sources, the confrontation erupted when terrorists ambushed a patrol team conducting an anti-terror operation in the Kokernag subdivision. The soldiers were targeted while performing their duties in a forested region, leading to a significant exchange of fire.

Ongoing operation

The operation to neutralize the terrorists is being led by special forces and paratroopers from the army. These elite units are engaged in an intense effort to flush out the insurgents, who are suspected to be foreign nationals. Reinforcements have been deployed to support the operation and ensure the terrorists are removed from their positions in the Ahlan Gadole forests.

Historical context

Today's gunbattle marks the second major encounter in Kokernag within the past year. In September 2023, a previous confrontation resulted in the deaths of a Commanding Officer, a Major, and a Deputy Superintendent of Police. The area has been a hotspot for terrorist activity, and the current operation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by security forces in the region.

The situation remains fluid, with additional support being provided to secure the area and address the threat posed by the entrenched terrorists.