Two soldiers were injured during an encounter with terrorists in Jaddan Bata village, located in the Kastigarh area of Jammu and Kashmirs Doda district, early Thursday, July 18, 2024. The incident occurred around 2:00 am when terrorists opened fire on a temporary security camp set up in a government school for ongoing search operations, according to officials.Security forces immediately retaliated, resulting in an exchange of fire that lasted for over an hour. Two soldiers suffered minor injuries in the terrorist firing, officials reported, adding that efforts are ongoing to flush out the terrorists.Extended Search OperationsA massive search operation has been underway in the Desa and adjoining forest areas following the killing of four army personnel, including a captain, by terrorists in a firefight on the night of Monday and Tuesday. The operation, now in its fourth day as of Thursday, saw brief exchanges of fire at two locations in the Desa forests on the night of Tuesday and Wednesday.Series of Attacks in Doda DistrictDoda district, which had been cleared of terrorism in 2005, has experienced a resurgence of attacks since June 12. On that date, six security personnel were injured in a terror attack at Chattergala Pass, followed by a firefight in Gandoh the next day, which left one policeman injured. Subsequently, three terrorists were killed in a day-long operation in the Gandoh area on June 26, and another encounter occurred in Ghadi Bhagwah forest on July 9.Rising Death Toll in J&KSince the beginning of this year, nearly a dozen terror attacks in six districts of Jammu province have resulted in the deaths of 27 individuals, including 11 security personnel, a village defence guard, and five terrorists. Among the dead were seven pilgrims returning from the Shiv Khori temple in Reasi district on June 9.Authorities continue to conduct extensive search operations and have urged residents to remain vigilant as they work to restore security in the region.
