This is an archive article published on December 22, 2023
Two locals held, sniffer dogs and drones deployed: Security forces launch manhunt for militants involved in Rajouri attack
The latest attack reinforces the trend of fewer yet more impactful and high visibility terror attacks in the areas south of Pir Panjal as compared to the Valley.
Security personnel stand guard near the site where two Army vehicles were ambushed by terrorists on Thursday. (Photo: PTI)
A day after a militant attack on two Army vehicles near Dehra Ki Gali (DKG) in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir killed five soldiers, security forces on Friday detained two locals for questioning.
Sources said that both the youth lived near the site of the attack and the security forces suspect them of having information about the militants. The forces have also launched a massive cordon and search operation in the dense forest area, deploying sniffer dogs and drones to track down the absconding militants. Additional reinforcements have also been rushed to the spot.
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The Thanamandi-Buffliaz road connecting Rajouri district with Poonch has also been shut for civilian vehicles and people have been asked to take the Bhimber Gali road.
The stretch between Dehra Ki Gali and Bufliaz is one of mostly densely forested areas located on the boundary of Rajouri and Poonch districts.
It is believed that three or four militants had taken position on hill tops along the road and ambushed two Army vehicles when they slowed down at a blind turn. The latest attack reinforces the trend of fewer yet more impactful and high visibility terror attacks in the areas south of Pir Panjal as compared to the Valley.
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While four Army personnel died in the forests of Kokernag near Anantnag in September this year, there were 251 terrorist-initiated incidents in J&K between 2021 and May 30 this year, of which 15 were in the three districts of Jammu region and 236 in Kashmir Valley.
Since 2021, 33 Army personnel and over a dozen militants have been killed in encounters at different places in Rajouri and Poonch districts. Of these, 19 soldiers have died in the last eight months. Ten civilians have also been killed by militants during the period.
Security personnel stand guard near the site where two Army vehicles were ambushed by terrorists on Thursday. (Photo: PTI) 
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