Phantom detected explosives before getting shot

Phantom — the Army dog who was killed during an encounter on Monday — had detected explosives hidden by ultras in bushes in Akhnoor sector of Jammu district on Monday.

To save troops, who were moving towards the terrorists hiding in the bushes, from being ambushed, Phantom ran towards the ultras and alerted soldiers about their presence. However, he suffered bullet injuries and died on the spot.

The terrorists were changing their location during the initial encounter after the soldiers retaliated followed an attack on their ambulance. The ultras hid some of the ammunition in the thick foliage.

Soon after the ambush, troops engaged the terrorists, pushing them back into the dense foliage. Reinforcements, including Special Forces and a mechanised column conducting training in a nearby area, were deployed to reinforce the cordon.

Sources told The Tribune that Phantom, a highly trained sniffer dog, played a crucial role in tracking the terrorists’ trail amidst the challenging jungle terrain. As the operation progressed, Phantom detected hidden explosives and identified potential escape routes, enabling troops to tighten the cordon.

“In a poignant turn during a fierce counter-terror operation on Monday in the Battal area of Akhnoor sector, Phantom, a Belgian Malinois dog, made the ultimate sacrifice while pursuing terrorists. Phantom was inducted into this area in August 2022. Since then, he had been a vital part of multiple high-stakes missions. In this operation, Phantom succumbed to injuries while aiding troops in a critical phase of the pursuit,” said a senior Army official.

“His actions were critical in ensuring the containment of terrorists, underscoring the bravery, loyalty, and vital contributions of the Army’s canine warriors,” the official said.

He further said, “Phantom’s bravery saved lives and was pivotal to the operation’s success. His sacrifice is a stark reminder of the high costs borne in the pursuit of national security and peace, and will be remembered with honour”.

The operation, supported by advanced technology including drones, ordnance-dropping devices and night surveillance equipment, successfully neutralised the terror threat, preventing escape and ensuring no casualties among troops.