SRINAGAR, SEP 16: Security forces are using advanced drones to kill two to three terrorists in the forests of Kokernag in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
The operation to flush out terrorists from the dense forest area in Anantnag district entered its fourth day on Saturday as drones and helicopters were pressed into service to track and kill terrorists who killed four security forces personnel in an encounter on Wednesday. One terrorist has been killed so far but his body is yet to be retrieved.
As rough terrain is posing a tough challenge to security forces, they are using advanced weapons such as Israeli-purchased Heron drones and quadcopters to flush out terrorists.
The Heron drones equipped with long-range missiles and diverse weaponry from all sides are used for surveillance and also for striking by throwing grenades and bullets, officials say.
“We used drones in aerial surveillance and to conduct blasts inside the forests to eliminate terrorists. The first terrorist was killed by blasts through Heron drones in the operation as we were able to monitor their movement and were then targeted,” a senior Army official said.
Similarly, the security forces also used advanced quadcopters to flush out terrorists. The quadcopters were previously also used in various anti-terrorist operations. These were to assist search efforts and then to target terrorists. “However, in this operation quadcopters are used for the first time to lob grenades,” the official added.
Northern Army commander Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi on Saturday reviewed the operational situation near the site of a gunfight that has been going on for four days.
The Army commander was briefed by the ground commanders on the high-intensity operations, in which hi-tech equipment is being used for surveillance and delivery of firepower, along with the high impact of precision fire being used by the forces. Meanwhile former Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police SP Vaid in a TV interview said, “The operation in Anantnag is taking place in a hilly area and there is a 75-80 degree steep climb. There is a dense forest on one side and a ditch on the other. It is very difficult for our forces when the terrorists hide in such a place. The terrorists are at a height and the personnel become vulnerable to attack when they try to ascend.”
