3 terrorists killed in Akhnoor encounter Army’s warrior canine also killed in action

Jammu Tawi, Oct 29: A day after an attack on an Indian Army vehicle, two remaining terrorists were killed in Akhnoor area of Jammu taking the total number of slain terrorists to three, Officials said Tuesday.

“All Three Hardcore Terrorists Eliminated Post Intense Firefight. After round the clock surveillance throughout the night, an intense firefight unfolded today morning resulting in a significant victory for our forces. Relentless operations and tactical excellence has led to the elimination of three terrorists. The operation also saw the successful recovery of war-like stores, marking a critical step in maintaining security in the region.” This was confirmed by the army's Nagrota based 16 Corps.

One terrorist was killed yesterday as the army and other forces tightened the cordon layers to ensure remaining terrorists don't flee. “With the first light of the day, two more terrorists were killed. It is being ascertained whether the group was part of freshly infiltrated one or they had travelled from other areas of Jammu to Akhnoor,” the officials said.

In the operation, the Army's expert dog Phantom was also killed in action.  Officials said that Belgian Malinois breed male dog Phantom was born on 25 May, 2020 and commissioned in the army from August 2022 mainly for assault and recce  duties.

The Indian Army has paid their tribute to the martyred dog, acknowledging its exceptional bravery and dedication. The Indian Army has expressed its condolences and praised the dog's loyalty and dedication. Meanwhile, the incident highlighted the crucial role that service animals play in the Indian Army's operations. Despite the risks, these animals continue to serve with unwavering loyalty and dedication

Earlier, security forces launched a massive cordon and search operation in Asaan , Battal areas of Akhnoor following the terrorists attack on an army ambulance yesterday morning.

Security forces have sealed all potential exit points, while additional reinforcements have been mobilized to ensure no escape routes are left open for the terrorists believed to be a group of recently infiltrated ultras.

National Security Guards (NSG) commandos also reached the Assan Mandir of Battle area of Akhnoor to assist the army and Jammu police, which are leading the operation. The Army has pressed a helicopter, drones and other technology gadgets to support ground forces.

In a first, Russian made Boyevaya Mashina Pekhoty commonly known as BMP-II, the infantry combat vehicle also known as ‘Sarath' also deployed in Akhnoor to support the cordon and search operation.

Intelligence sources said this fresh infiltration from LoC this morning because the border is just 2 km from the encounter side.   Additional Director General of Police Jammu, Anand Jain, and Shiv Kumar, DIG, Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range also visited the encounter site with army officers and reviewed ongoing operations.

In the past one week, at least 12 people, including two soldiers were killed in separate incidents of terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.

On October 23, unidentified assailants fired on a group of labourers that included both locals and non-locals in J&K's Ganderbal. Two labourers died on the spot, and four others and the doctor succumbed to their injuries subsequently.

On October 25, two soldiers of the 18 Rashtriya Rifles and two porters were killed in a terrorist attack on a military truck carrying supplies near the Nagin area of Botapathri in Kashmir's Gulmarg.

An high alert was already sounded for Jammu's border districts, including Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Poonch, and Rajouri after recent terror attacks in Ganderbal and Baramulla.