Army loses its ‘Phantom’ in Akhnoor operation

Jammu, Oct 28: Indian Army Monday lost one of its valiant soldier dogs – Phantom during a raging gunfight with the terrorists, who made an abortive bid to ambush an Army convoy, near Assan temple at Battal in Akhnoor of Jammu district.

PRO Defence Jammu Lt Col Suneel Bartwal said that during the encounter, 4-year-old Phantom sustained fatal injuries and made a supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.

Born on May 25, 2020, Phantom was an assault dog of the Belgium Malinois breed. “Issued from RVC Centre, Meerut, he (Phantom) was posted (in Army) on August 12, 2022,” Lt Col Bartwal stated.

“We salute the supreme sacrifice of our true hero—a valiant Indian Army Dog, Phantom,” posted Army’s White Knight Corps in its tributes to its canine soldier on ‘X’.

“As our troops were closing in on the trapped terrorists, Phantom drew enemy fire, sustaining fatal injuries. His courage, loyalty, and dedication will never be forgotten,” the White Knight Corps posted.

In the ongoing operation, one terrorist was neutralized and warlike stores were recovered so far, it said.