Phantom, 4-year-old Army dog, dies in line of duty during Jammu encounter

Commissioned into the Army in August 2022, Phantom is the second dog to die in the line of duty since last year

Phantom, who was commissioned into the Army in August 2022, is the second dog to die in the line of duty during an encounter with militants since last year.

Phantom, a four-year-old male Belgian Malinois, Monday made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty during an encounter that broke out between troops and militants in Jammu’s Khour area near the Line of Control.

“As our troops were closing in on the trapped terrorists, Phantom drew enemy fire, sustaining fatal injuries,” said White Knight Corps on its X handle

“We salute the supreme sacrifice of our true hero – a valiant Indian Army dog, Phantom. His courage, loyalty, and dedication will never be forgotten,” it posted, adding that “in the ongoing operation, one terrorist has been neutralised and warlike stores have been recovered thus far”.

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The encounter broke out on Monday morning after some militants dressed in military fatigue fired at a military ambulance.

Phantom, who was commissioned into the Army in August 2022, is the second dog to die in the line of duty during an encounter with militants since last year.

In September 2023, six-year-old Kent, a female Labrador, laid down its life while shielding its handler during an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district.

Kent, a canine from the 21 Army Dog Unit, was leading a group of soldiers on the trail of fleeing terrorists when it came under heavy fire and succumbed at the scene.

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