Army ambulance attacked in Akhnoor
A terrorist was gunned down when a group of armed ultras targeted an ambulance, which was part of an Army convoy, in the Khour area of the Akhnoor sector in Jammu district on Monday.
Combat vehicles deployed for search ops after several years
- The Army has deployed BMP-2 infantry combat vehicles in its search operations
- An Army official said the amphibious BMP-2 vehicles were already being used at a training operation close to the attack site
- Such vehicles are rarely used in search ops
- Protected with armoured plates, the BMP-2 is equipped with a rapid fire 7.62-MM medium coaxial machine gun, a 30-MM cannon and a second generation anti-tank guided missile
A group of at least three terrorists opened fire at the convoy, hitting the ambulance. At least two soldiers were sitting inside the vehicle when bullets were fired from the roadside. The bullets did not hit anyone but only damaged the ambulance. The soldiers immediately retaliated, forcing the terrorists to flee from the area, which is close to the Line of Control.
Later, the Army mobilised special forces to launch an operation against the terrorists who went into hiding in the nearby thick foliage.
In a statement, the Nagrota-based White Knight Corps said, “The body of one terrorist along with a weapon has been recovered. An operation is under progress.”
“Swift retaliation by troops foiled the attack, ensuring no injuries. The area has been cordoned off and a search operation to neutralise the terrorists is going on,” the Army said.
It is believed that the terrorists recently infiltrated from Pakistan and are armed with automatic rifles and explosives.
The J&K Police said, “Three terrorists were spotted near Assan Mandir in Battal. They fired some rounds at an Army ambulance. The area has been cordoned off and a joint search operation has been launched by the police and security forces.” Information went viral on the social media claiming that three terrorists had been killed in the attack. However, the police issued a statement asking people to refrain from spreading unverified information.
“We deny the reports regarding the encounter in Akhnoor involving neutralisation of three terrorists. It is confirmed that no injuries were reported from the attack on the Army vehicle, and further details are being investigated. The situation remains under control. We urge the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information. The forces continue to monitor the area, closely following the recent alerts for border districts,” the police said.
