Use of unmanned vehicle, AI gave quick result: Maj Gen Srivastava

Jammu, Oct 29: General Officer Commanding (GOC) 10 RAPID (H), Major General Sameer Srivastava Tuesday stated that the use of advanced technology, unmanned ground vehicles and Artificial Intelligence (AI), besides excellent synergy among security forces, led to prompt and successful results in Akhnoor operation.

They ensured real-time tracking and prevented potential escapes making it “one of the most successful and clean operations” during the past few days, he said.

Maj Gen Srivastava, joined by DIG Jammu-Samba-Kathua (JSK) Range, Shiv Kumar Sharma and Commander 28 Infantry Brigade, Brig Kapil Taneja, was addressing a presser, post-Akhnoor encounter.

Giving an account of the operation, Maj General Srivastava stated that the Indian Army successfully thwarted a terror ambush in the dense jungles of Battal, Jammu, on October 28, 2024, resulting in the elimination of three terrorists.

“In the pre-dawn hours, terrorists ambushed an army convoy, prompting a swift and precise response from the troops. There were no casualties among the convoy persons, as troops quickly forced the attackers to retreat,” he said.

“Operation was named “Operation Assan” after the name of the area where it was conducted. It began around 7.20 am on Monday. It has been one of the most successful and clean operations conducted during the last few days as we have neutralised three hardcore terrorists. We did not incur any casualty and the operation was completed in the record period,” he said.

Senior Army Officer noted that the operation demonstrated synergy with the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) and the Special Operation Group (SOG), bolstered by local intelligence and community assistance.

“I congratulate all the security forces, JKP and other agencies involved in this operation, which demonstrated a very good example of coordination and synergy,” Maj Gen Srivastava said.

He asserted that the biggest contribution to the operation was made by the people.

“This is because, in Akhnoor, we share such an excellent rapport with the people that we instantly get news if any suspicious person is sighted or suspicious activity is noticed. As soon as these suspects (terrorists) were detected, we immediately got the news and that resulted in instant reaction,” he said, adding, “Their (terrorists’) purpose, for which they had come, failed though they tried to fire on our convoy but the alacrity of our driver and QRTs prevented any potential damage and QRTs immediately got deployed and pinned down them (terrorists) in the same area and did not allow them to escape.”

He said that the troops maintained comprehensive domination of the area, operating under challenging conditions during the night. “Special Forces were mobilized promptly to reinforce the cordon around the fleeing militants. Advanced technology, including night surveillance devices, unmanned ground vehicles and surveillance drones ensured real-time tracking and prevented potential escapes,” he said.

Maj Gen Srivastava said, “The way terrorists were heavily armed, we believed that their objective was to do something big. We had been getting these inputs and terrorist organisations had tweeted also that they would do something big. That is why, our people were in ready mode and all the agencies worked in perfect coordination, including intel agencies and electronic (surveillance) intelligence. We were getting real-time information.”

“During the cordon by our valiant soldiers, JKP personnel, we used a lot of technology in the operation and we were getting surveillance inputs of aerial objects. We used unmanned vehicles and Artificial Intelligence which led to prompt and successful results (in the operation),” he pointed out.

Referring to the loss of the Indian Army’s valiant canine soldier, Major General said that tragically, an Army dog, Phantom sustained fatal injuries during the operation, underscoring the risk involved for all persons engaged in counter-terrorist operation.

“His supreme sacrifice saved many lives. The operation underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to peace and stability in the region, with enhanced security measures and local outreach ensuring continuous stability,” he said.

About the use of BMP vehicles in the operation for the first time, Maj Gen Srivastava said, “We also want to dispel some rumours going around on social media about the use of BMPs in this operation.” The hardened vehicles were used to close in with the trapped terrorists, he said.

“I need to assert here that the area was quite difficult, having 30 degrees gradient and dense foliage. When we located the terrorists and engaged them, it was not possible for us to reach without taking risks. We used vehicles (BMPs) to reach there. We want to also emphasize that the Indian Army is a professional force and no disrespect to the mortal remains of the slain terrorist(s) has been carried out,” he stated.

Responding to questions about the presence of terrorists across the border, waiting to sneak in, he said, “Around 50-60 terrorists were likely there on the launch pads across the LoC, waiting to cross the border in Jammu region. However, the forces were in ready mode to fail their attempts, especially during the ensuing winter months. Major Gen Srivastava rejected the speculations that the terrorists were part of a freshly infiltrated group. “They were there in the hinterland and we had been tracking them. Finally, they were eliminated here. Our surveillance will continue despite the ground reports that there were only three terrorists,” he said.

DIG JSK Range, Shiv Kumar Sharma said that Akhnoor's operation demonstrated the perfect synergy between the Army and the Police. “This synergy is increasing as we have been regularly holding meetings. Recently one such meeting was held by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha with a focus on enhancing coordination between the Army and the Police and it is reflecting on the ground,” he said.