Poonch 08 Jan(KNB): Army on Sunday claimed to have foiled major infiltration bid by killing two militants In operation Balakot in Poonch district.
In an statement issued to news agency Kashmir News Bureau-KNB that Army said, On 07 January 2023, at approximately 1900 hrs own alert troops observed suspicious movement of two infiltrators who were trying to sneak across Line of Control, in Balakot Sector in District Poonch adding troops on Line of Control and fence were alerted and kept observing the area.
At approximately 1945 hrs, there was a loud explosion due to mine having got initiated by infiltrating terrorists. Thereafter at approximately 1950 hrs own troops saw the movement near the fence and engaged the terrorists by bringing aimed fire onto them. Once the firing has ceased, our troops on the fence and troops on line of control readjusted the cordon to prevent their escape. Night enabled Quadcopter and other surveillance devices were employed to keep a strict vigil on the cordoned area. Troops commenced search operation at 0200 hrs on 08 Jan 2023. The search was very deliberate as the area is not only undulating with dense undergrowth but is also heavily mined. In the search so far two bodies have been recovered with weapons, magazines, ammunition and other war like stores, Army said in a statement.
Army has recovered one AK 47 Rifle with two magazines and 21 rounds, one modified AK 56 Rifle, One Chinese Pistol with one magazine and five rounds, two Chinese hand grenades and two high explosive IEDs and a mobile phone till now. Search operation continues, they further said.
Earlier on 29 Dec 2022 own alert troops deployed on the Line of Control in Krishna Ghati Sector had picked up suspicious movement of three terrorists attempting to infiltrate, utilizing the cover of heavy rainfall, from across the Line of Control. On being challenged by effective fire by own troops the terrorists escaped into the forests.
Subsequent search of the area during daylight on 30 Dec 2022 led to recovery of bags containing warlike stores and abundant items essential for sustenance. Items recovered include two Pistols, three magazines, 24 rounds of pistol, 30 rounds of AK-47, night vision goggles, dagger, winter clothing, rubber gloves and eatables sufficient for sustenance for a prolonged period.
These continuous disruptive attempts by terrorists and inimical forces indicate their desperate efforts to hamper the prevailing peaceful and harmony situation and the ongoing development in the Jammu Region.
Meantime, the operations to nab terrorists involved in the Dhangri attack continue by the Indian Army alongwith other Security Forces operating in the region particularly in Rajouri and Poonch District, statement added. (KNB)