Terrorists attack an Air Force convoy in Poonch, 1 soldier killed, 4 injured
J&K: The latest incident marks the third militant attack in 2024 in the volatile region of Rajouri-Poonch. On May 4, militants staged an ambush on a convoy of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in Poonch, resulting in the tragic death of one soldier and injuries to four others.
The IAF reported that despite the surprise attack, Air Warriors bravely fought back, engaging the militants in a fierce exchange of fire. Tragically, despite their efforts, one Air Warrior succumbed to injuries sustained during the confrontation.
Following the attack, a swift response was initiated by military authorities. The injured personnel were promptly evacuated to the nearest military hospital for urgent medical attention, with assistance from Army helicopters. Meanwhile, local military units launched a search and cordon operation in the Shahsitar area, where the ambush occurred, in an effort to apprehend the perpetrators.
The remote location of the attack, far from the district headquarters, posed logistical challenges for rescue and evacuation efforts. However, the Army’s Rashtriya Rifles swiftly mobilized to assist in evacuating the injured personnel from the area. Furthermore, a major combing operation was launched across the region to track down the militants responsible for the attack.
The escalation in militant activity in the Poonch-Rajouri belt is part of a concerning trend following the revocation of Jammu & Kashmir’s special status in 2019. With the region sharing a 220km border with Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), it has become a hotspot for militant infiltration and violence. This attack, occurring amidst preparations for the Lok Sabha election in the Pir Panjal valley, underscores the challenges faced in ensuring security and stability in the region. The upcoming election in the Rajouri-Poonch belt, scheduled for May 25 as part of the Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary constituency, adds another layer of complexity to the situation, requiring heightened vigilance and security measures.
