5 soldiers killed, 2 injured in militant attack in Poonch

POONCH — A tense situation unfolded as five soldiers lost their lives and two sustained injuries during an ongoing encounter in Surankote, Poonch, officials confirmed today. The clash occurred during an anti-militancy operation in the Dera Ki Gali area on Thursday, with the soldiers coming under attack, as per initial reports from army officials.

The deceased soldiers were identified as Birendra Singh, Karan Kumar, Chandan Kumar, and Gautam Kumar. Meanwhile, Sundeep Kumar, Shyam Sundar Das, and Todmal Dnyaneshwar Bhaskarrav are currently receiving treatment at a local hospital, revealed top officials.

The entire region remains under a cordon as security forces continue a meticulous search operation in the area. “The encounter site is cordoned off, and efforts are ongoing to neutralize the terrorists,” officials stated.

Simultaneously, in an adjacent district of Kishtwar, security forces are intensively searching multiple residences. A senior police officer mentioned that this operation is being conducted in conjunction with the ongoing encounter in Surankote, Poonch. The officer emphasized that numerous houses are being thoroughly searched as part of these efforts.

The confluence of these two operations, one marred by casualties and injuries and the other involving meticulous house-to-house searches, signifies a heightened state of tension in the region. Authorities remain vigilant as they endeavour to maintain security and quell any potential threats amidst these operations.

The situation remains fluid as security forces aim to stabilize the area and ensure the safety of civilians while dealing with these parallel operations across Poonch and Kishtwar districts.