National Desk, 23rd December: Security forces have launched a significant cordon and search operation following a deadly terrorist ambush in Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir.
The attack, which took place on December 22, 2023, resulted in the tragic loss of four army personnel and left two others injured.
The assailants targeted two army vehicles at a blind curve between Dhera Ki Gali and Bufliaz, prompting the closure of the road for traffic as efforts to locate the perpetrators intensified.
A team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA), along with the General Officer Commanding (GoC) of the XVI Corps, Lt Gen Sandeep Jain, visited the site, known as Ground Zero, to assess the situation firsthand. The operation to find the terrorists involves a multi-pronged approach, including aerial surveillance, the use of sniffer dogs, and the detention of local suspects for questioning.
In response to the attack, mobile internet services have been suspended in Poonch and neighbouring Rajouri to facilitate the security operation and prevent disruptions in tracking down the terrorists. This suspension aligns with a broader pattern of internet service disruptions in the region, following a separate incident in which services were suspended in Haryana’s Nuh.
The attack has led to protests and condemnation from various groups and political leaders, with calls for a more robust response to terrorism in the region. Opposition parties criticize the government’s handling of the situation, while security experts emphasize the importance of strengthening intelligence and security measures.
As the search operation continues, the region remains on high alert, serving as a stark reminder of the persistent threat of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.
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