Under ‘Operation Trinetra’, security forces are hunting terror groups in Poonch-Rajouri
Jammu, Jul 18: Following days of search operation, Indian Army and Special Operation Group (SoG) of Jammu Kashmir Police eliminated four heavily armed foreign terrorists, possibly Pakistanis in Surankote area of Poonch. Army said that killing of four terrorists is a major achievement as they were tasked to carry out a major terror strike in Jammu and Kashmir.
Under ‘Operation Trinetra’, launched by the Army in the aftermath of the deadly terrorist ambush on security forces’ vehicles in the Mendhar area of Poonch that left five soldiers dead on April 20, Army and Police has been carrying out searches across Poonch and Rajouri sector for last three months.
“Four foreign terrorists were neutralised in a forest area during the ongoing ‘operation Trinetra II’. The presence of such heavily-armed terrorists in hinterland is indicative of attempts to destabilise the region, and if not neutralised on time, these terrorists could have carried out major terrorist-initiated incidents in coming days,” Commander, 6 Sector Rashtriya Rifles, Brigadier M P Singh told reporters in Poonch.
Brig Singh, who was also flanked by Poonch Senior Superintendent of Police Vinay Sharma, said a joint operation was launched by the Army and the police in the forest area on July 16 as part of relentless operations over the past three months after getting information about movement of unidentified persons in the general area of Sindarah.
“The elimination of these four Foreign Terrorists, has once again demonstrated the resolve of the Indian Security apparatus, particularly the Indian Army in maintaining stability, prosperity & progress in the region”, Brig. Singh said.
The Indian Army has been continuing relentless operations in the past three months as part of Op Trinetra. As part of the same, on 16 Jul, input was received about movement of unidentified persons in the general area of Sindhrah – Bachianwali and Maidana. Accordingly, the area was cordoned.
On 17 Jul specific intelligence regarding the presence of armed terrorists near the village of Sindarah of Surankote Tehsil, District Poonch was received. Based on this intelligence, Indian Army and Special Operations Group of Jammu Kashmir Police, further launched a specific cordon and search operation of this area.
After establishing an effective cordon, the troops commenced their search and approached Village Sindrah. Four terrorists, who had taken shelter in the forest near the village, opened indiscriminate fire on the approaching troops. Their fire was promptly retaliated, and the terrorists were pinned down in the area. The cordon was then readjusted to deny any escape to the terrorists. Special Forces were also inducted, to augment the ops.
The terrorists making use of the terrain, forest foliage and inclement weather kept opening fire onto our troops, in a desperate attempt to break the cordon.
“In a display of excellent junior leadership and coordination, between Indian Army and Jammu Kashmir Police, own troops displayed superior tactical acumen in retaliating to the terrorists fire in a controlled manner, while pinning them down, in the given area”, Brig Singh said.
The intermittent fire between terrorists and troops continued till about 0530 hours. However, the troops in cordon, continued to be on the highest alert, to prevent the trapped terrorist from escaping.
In the morning, a detailed search of the area was carried out. The search resulted in the recovery of a large quantity of arms and ammunition consisting of four AK series Rifles with eight Magazines and 196 rounds. Two 9 mm Pistols with three magazines and 24 rounds were also recovered. The bodies of the four neutralised terrorists were also found in the area. I also wish to bring out the AKs found with the terrorists are with Chinese markings and Pistols are with Pakistan markings. This operation is a hallmark of cooperation between all the intelligence agencies & specially the police, with the Indian Army, who spearheaded this operation. I will be doing injustice, if I do not mention, the coop and sp provided by the awaam, in this endeavour, which speaks volumes of their belief, in our Nation.
