In a significant escalation of violence in Jammu and Kashmir, three Indian Army personnel were injured in an exchange of fire with militants on Thursday . The incident occurred in the volatile Poonch district, a region that has witnessed a surge in militant activity in recent months.
According to a spokesperson from the Army, the clash erupted early in the morning when militants opened fire on an Army patrol near the Line of Control (LoC). The personnel, who were part of a routine patrol, responded promptly, leading to a protracted gunfight. The injured soldiers have been evacuated to a military hospital in Udhampur for treatment. Their condition is reported to be stable, though they remain under close observation.
The Poonch district has been a hotspot for militant activities, with frequent skirmishes reported along the LoC. In recent months, the area has seen a series of attacks, reflecting an uptick in militant operations despite ongoing security measures.
This incident comes amidst heightened tensions in the region, where security forces have been engaged in a broader counterinsurgency operation aimed at curbing militant activities. The increase in violence is attributed to several factors, including the influx of new recruits into militant groups and attempts by these groups to disrupt the stability in the region.
The Army has intensified its search operations in the area to track down the militants responsible for the attack. Meanwhile, authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the security forces.