Convoy of IAF vehicles ambushed | 1 soldier killed, 4 injured in Poonch terror attack

Rajouri, May 4:  A soldier of Indian Air Force (IAF) was killed while four others were injured when a convoy of IAF vehicles was ambushed by the terrorists at Shaistar in Poonch district on Saturday evening.

Following the attack, a massive Cordon and Search Operation (CASOs) was launched in different parts of dense forests and adjoining areas.

“An Indian Air Force (IAF) 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,” IAF, in its official statement posted on ‘X’, said.

“In the ensuing gunfight with terrorists, the Air Warriors fought back by returning fire. In the process, five IAF personnel received bullet injuries, and were evacuated to the nearest military hospital for immediate medical attention. One Air Warrior succumbed to his injuries later. Further operations are on by the local security forces,” it further posted.

Official sources stated that terrorists attacked when an IAF truck was on its way towards an establishment at Shaistar from Jarran Wali Gali on Saturday evening.

“Terrorists ambushed it near Sanai Top and fired a volley of bullets leading to injuries to five personnel, travelling in the vehicle. The driver was also among the injured,” they stated.

Army personnel from an army camp, located at some distance from the attack site, resorted to firing in air, while some troops from the vehicle also retaliated, official sources stated.

“Reinforcement was rushed to the spot and all five injured were shifted to nearby army medical facility. Later, all five injured were airlifted to a higher medical facility, where one of them succumbed to his critical injuries,” the sources said.

Senior army and police officers rushed to the attack site while massive reinforcement was also sent. Entire area was cordoned and searches were launched.

“We have launched a massive CASO in the area and extensive searches are being conducted in the forest area,” sources said.