J&K: 1 Indian Airforce Soldier Dies, 4 Injured As Terrorists Launch Attack On Convoy In Poonch

One of the five soldiers of the Indian Airforce (IAF) who sustained injuries when terrorists launched heavy attack on two vehicles in their convoy in the Surankote area of Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, died on Saturday. The officials earlier informed that the health condition of two out of the five injured was critical.

About the attack

According to the officials, the terror attack took place around 6:15 pm when the troops were returning to the air force station from Jaranwali.The officials suspect the involvement of the same group of terrorists who ambushed troops in adjoining Bufliaz on December 21 last year, leaving four soldiers dead and three injured.

One of the trucks in the IAF convoy bore the maximum brunt of the attack with several bullets hitting its windscreen and side. The terrorists, who were armed with AK assault rifles, are believed to have fled into the nearby forests, the officials said.

Reinforcements from the Army and police have been rushed to the area and a massive search and cordon operation has been launched to track down and neutralise the terrorists.

Police assisted by paramilitary forces had been carrying out searches in Poonch town since Friday following inputs about the movement of suspected persons. However, no one was arrested during the operation, the officials said.

What did IAF say?

Taking it to X, the Indian Air Force (IAF) said, "An Indian Air Force vehicles' convoy was attacked by terrorists in the Poonch district of J&K. The local Rashtriya Rifles unit has started cordon and search operations in the area. The vehicles have been secured inside the air base in the general area near Shahsitar. Military personnel have suffered injuries."

"In the ensuing gunfight with terrorists, the Air Warriors fought back by returning fire. In the process, five IAF personnel received bullet injuries, and were evacuated to the nearest military hospital for immediate medical attention. One Air Warrior succumbed to his injuries later. Further operations are on by the local security forces," IAF further added in another post.

The border district of Poonch along with adjoining Rajouri has witnessed some major terrorist attacks over the past two years, signalling the return of terror activities to the region, which was once cleared of terrorism and remained peaceful between 2003 and 2021.