Kashmir Tigers, an affiliate of the banned Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), has asserted responsibility for the deadly attack on an Indian Army convoy in Jammu and Kashmirs Kathua district. The ambush, which occurred in the remote Machedi area, resulted in the tragic loss of five army personnel, including a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO), with several others wounded.Mondays attack marks the second significant incident in Kathua district within a month, following a previous clash on June 12 and 13, which resulted in casualties among terrorists and security forces alike.Kashmir Tigers StatementIn a statement following the attack, Kashmir Tigers claimed responsibility, stating, Mujahideen used grenades and sniper rifles. Mujahideen managed to get out safely after the attack. According to the reports so far, 7 captured officers were killed and 6 were injured in this attack. This attack is revenge for the three Mujahideen martyred in Doda (2024-06-26). More devastating attacks will be launched soon. The war will continue till the freedom of Kashmir.VIDEO | Search operation underway in Badnota village of Kathua district in Jammu and Kashmir after terror attack.Heavily armed terrorists ambushed a patrolling party in the remote Machedi area of Jammu and Kashmirs Kathua district on Monday. Five army personnel, including a… pic.twitter.com/9qvnOdqDty— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 9, 2024Details of the AttackThe terrorists launched the ambush on an army truck during a routine patrolling operation on the Machedi-Kindli-Malhar road near Badnota village in Lohai Malhar, approximately 150 km from Kathua town, around 3:30 pm. Using grenades and gunfire, they targeted the patrol party before fleeing into nearby forests.In response, the army, supported by police and paramilitary forces, engaged in a retaliatory operation. The army truck, carrying ten personnel, bore the brunt of the assault, resulting in fatalities and injuries among the soldiers. Five wounded were evacuated to the Pathankot military hospital for treatment.Ongoing Security MeasuresFollowing the attack, security forces initiated a search operation in Badnota village and surrounding areas of Kathua district. The surge in terrorist activities in traditionally peaceful regions like Jammu has been linked to efforts by Pakistani handlers to revive militant activities in border districts.The recent spike in terror incidents, including five in the Jammu region over the past month, underscores a concerning resurgence of militancy after years of relative calm. Security forces remain on high alert amidst ongoing efforts to thwart further attacks and stabilise the security situation in the region.
