Terror attack in Poonch district leaves one Indian Air Force soldier dead, five injured

A terror attack on an Indian Air Force (IAF) convoy has resulted in the death of one soldier, with five others injured. The attack took place Saturday evening in the Surankote area of Poonch district, where the convoy was traveling. Two vehicles, including an IAF one, were ambushed by militants armed with AK assault rifles, resulting in the immediate death of one soldier and leaving five others injured, including one critically. They have been airlifted to Udhampur Command Hospital for treatment.

First Major Attack in the Region This Year

This marks the first major militant attack in the region this year. The area witnessed multiple attacks in 2023, prompting heightened vigilance from security forces. Visuals of the aftermath reveal a vehicle riddled with bullet holes, emphasizing the intensity of the assault.

Search Operations Launched

Security forces, including the Rashtriya Rifles, Indian Army, and Jammu and Kashmir Police, launched a massive cordon and search operation following the attack. Reinforcements have been dispatched, and a high alert has been declared across Poonch district. Officials suspect the militants fled into nearby forests.

The Indian Air Force confirmed the incident through a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “An Indian Air Force vehicle convoy was attacked by militants in the Poonch district of J&K, near Shahsitar. Cordon and search operations are underway presently in the area by local military units. The convoy has been secured, and further investigation is under progress.”

One Indian Air Force soldier was killed, and five were injured in a militant attack on an IAF convoy in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district.

On High Alert

While security forces have maintained a state of high alert since last year, the current situation remains critical as terrorists continue to pose a threat. Despite ongoing searches based on intelligence inputs, no arrests have been made so far.

Upcoming Elections in Poonch

With parliamentary elections slated for May 25, the region remains tense. Security forces continue to ensure safety measures are in place to prevent further incidents.

This incident underscores the persistent challenges faced by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in volatile regions like Poonch. Continued vigilance, strategic intelligence sharing, and comprehensive search operations are critical in mitigating threats posed by militants.