Exchange of fire twice in Doda amidst intensified anti-terror operations

Srinagar, July 17: Security forces and terrorists engaged in two brief exchanges of fire within four hours in the forest area of Doda district of Chenab Valley and the officials said that the incidents were part of an ongoing anti-terrorist operation in the area where four Army personnel were killed earlier this week.

The first exchange of fire occurred at Kalaan Bhata at 10:45 pm on Tuesday, followed by another exchange near Panchan Bhata at 2 am.

Despite the intense exchanges, there were no reports of casualties.

“Taking advantage of the darkness, difficult terrain, and thick foliage, the terrorists managed to evade capture,” officials said.

Village Defence Guards (VDGs) also reported firing upon observing suspicious movement outside their village.

Additionally, two explosive shells were recovered from the Gandoh area.

The initial encounter that resulted in the deaths of the four Army soldiers took place in the Desa forest area on Monday night.

In response, troops from the Rashtriya Rifles and the Special Operations Group (SOG) of J&K Police launched a joint Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) at Dhari Gote Urarbagi in the Desa forest belt, approximately 55 km from Doda town.

Officials said that despite challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions, security forces are determined to track down and kill the terrorists.

“The operation has been intensified with the inclusion of Para Commandos and aerial support from drones and helicopters,” they said.

A senior Army officer from the area said, “We are facing tough conditions, but our resolve to eliminate these terrorists is unwavering. We will not rest until we ensure the safety and security of our region.”

During the intervening night, Village Defense Guards opened fire after observing suspicious movement near their Melan village in the Desa area.

Police and Army units promptly responded, launching a thorough search operation in the area the following morning.

In a separate search operation in the Sinoo forest area of Gandoh in Doda district, police said two explosive shells were recovered.

The Sinoo forest had previously witnessed a day-long encounter on June 26, resulting in the deaths of three foreign terrorists and the recovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition, including a US-made M4 carbine.

The Army, in a statement on Tuesday, reiterated its commitment to conducting joint and coordinated operations with the J&K Police to eliminate foreign terrorists infiltrating from across the border.

These operations are focused on the upper reaches of Udhampur, Doda, and Kishtwar districts to prevent their movement towards Kashmir.

“All formations of the Northern Command are committed to eliminating the scourge of terrorism in J&K. Our relentless operations will continue until peace and stability are fully restored,” the Army statement said.