The terrorists attacked the army vehicle in the Machedi area in Billawar from atop a hill. They also hurled grenades at the army vehicle.
- Five personnel were killed as terrorists ambushed an army vehicle
- Terrorists used advanced weapons, conducted recce
- Large-scale manhunt for attackers underway in Kathua
Sources claim that Pakistani militants carried out the attack on army trucks in Kathua, Jammu & Kashmir on Monday, using advanced weaponry to enhance the number of deaths. with addition, the terrorists may have used local sympathisers to aid with their reconnaissance efforts, which hinted to a planned, targeted attack.
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According to accounts, the sophisticated weaponry included M4 Carbine rifles, explosive devices, and several types of ammunition.
The incident happened in Badnota village, which has inadequate road connectivity and limits vehicle speeds to 10 to 15 km/h, according to sources. The terrain appeared to be exploited by the terrorists, since the army trucks moved quite slowly.
“2-3 terrorists and 1-2 local guides had taken positions atop hills. The terrorists first lobbed grenades at the army vehicles and then fired at them. The driver was the first target, as in previous terror attacks,” sources told India Today.
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Primary investigations also found that the terrorists had conducted reconnaissance in the area prior to the attack.
“A local guide helped the terrorists conduct reconnaissance of the area and also provided them with food and shelter. After the attack, he helped them reach their hideouts,” the sources continued.
A massive combing operation continued in Kathua on Tuesday to trace the attackers, who are believed to have fled to nearby forest areas. However, hilly terrain, fog, and dense vegetation have become major hurdles in the search operation.
The terrorists targeted the army truck on the Machedi-Kindli-Malhar road near Badnota village in Lohai Malhar, approximately 150 km from Kathua town, around 3:30 pm. A Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) was among the five personnel killed in the attack. Five other soldiers were injured and hospitalised.
This terror attack, the fifth in the Jammu region in a month, has drawn widespread condemnation.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh condoled the deaths of the army personnel and stressed that the soldiers are determined to ensure peace in the region.
“I am deeply anguished at the loss of five of our brave Indian Army Soldiers in a terrorist attack in Badnota, Kathua (J&K). My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. The nation stands firm with them in this difficult time. Counter-terrorist operations are underway, and our soldiers are determined to usher in peace and order in the region. I pray for a speedy recovery to those who sustained injuries in this dastardly terror attack,” he wrote.
Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, stated, “These cowardly attacks on our army are highly condemnable.”
“The fifth terrorist attack within a month is a grave blow to the security of the country and the lives of our soldiers. The solution to these relentless terror attacks will come from strong action, not from hollow speeches and false promises. We stand firmly with the country in this hour of grief,” he said.
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and former chief ministers — Omar Abdullah of the National Conference, Mehbooba Mufti of PDP, and Ghulam Nabi Azad — condoled the loss of lives and expressed concern over the security situation in the region.
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