NewsGate Press Network

Army troops on Saturday the 7th of January 2023 eliminated two hardcore terrorists under ‘Operation Balakote’ and recovered a haul of cache of arms and ammunition along the Line of Control(LoC) in Poonch District of Jammu and Kashmir.

Jammu based Defence Spokesman, Ministry of Defence, Lieutenant Colonel, Devender Anand said that on January 7 at approximately 1900 hrs, alert troops observed suspicious movement of two infiltrators who were trying to sneak across Line of Control, in Balakote Sector in District Poonch.

“The troops were alerted and kept observing the area. At approximately 1945 hours, there was a loud explosion due to mine having been initiated by infiltrating terrorists,” he said.

The spokesman said that thereafter at approximately 1950 hours the troops saw the movement near the fence and engaged the terrorists by bringing aimed fire onto them, adding, “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 a search operation at 0200 Hours next day, he added.

The search was very deliberate as the area is not only undulating with dense undergrowth but is also heavily mined, he said adding that in the search so far two bodies have been recovered with weapons, magazines, ammunition and other war like stores.

The spokesman said that the 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 while the search operation continues.

Earlier on Dec 29, 2022 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, he said and added that on being challenged by effective fire by our troops the terrorists escaped into the forests.

Subsequent search of the area during daylight on Dec 30, 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 Districts,” he said.