CASO in Poonch forests enters Day 4

Rajouri, May 7: Cordon and Search Operation (CASO), launched in Poonch forests after terrorists’ attack on an Indian Air Force (IAF) convoy at Shaistar on May 4, continued on the fourth consecutive day on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the Northern Army Commander also visited frontline units along the Line of Control in Poonch and also reviewed the hinterland security scenario.

Terrorists had ambushed an IAF convoy on Saturday evening at Shaistar in Poonch. An IAF soldier lost his life while four others sustained injuries as terrorists fired indiscriminately on one of the vehicles of the convoy.

“Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in areas of Poonch forests continued for the fourth day today. Indian army and police carried out search operations in areas surrounded by dense woods. Search operation was expanded to adjoining areas as well. Many pockets of the area under operation have been kept under tight cordon and vigil,” officials said.

Meanwhile, senior army commanders visited the Poonch district and reviewed the overall security situation, including that of the hinterland, especially in the wake of the recent terror attack on IAF vehicles.

General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) Northern Command Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar, accompanied by White Knight Corps General Officer Commanding (GOC) Lt Gen Naveen Sachdeva, visited frontline units along Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch sector on Tuesday.

This visit, the army said, was aimed at reviewing the security situation.

“The Army Commander commended troops for their professionalism in challenging conditions and exhorted them to maintain a high state of morale and motivation,” the army further informed.

Official sources said, “Along with taking stock of the situation on the Line of Control, the senior Army Commanders also reviewed the hinterland security scenario in the district, especially given the recent attack on the IAF convoy.”

The senior Army Commanders also interacted with local field commanders.