Revealed: Pakistani side set forests on fire to divert Indian Army during anti-terror ops in Akhnoor

JAMMU: Amid the ongoing crackdown on terrorism in the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), the Indian Army on Saturday, December 23, thwarted an infiltration attempt by unknown assailants in the Akhnoor region of Jammu, with reports of one terrorist being downed emerging from the Khour International Border sector.

With multiple anti-terror operations currently underway in J&K, authorities were alerted to the movement of four suspected terrorists, detected by night surveillance equipment during the intervening night of December 22 and 23. 

Trying to take advantage of fog and darkness, the terrorists had reportedly attempted to infiltrate through the Gagriyal area of Khour in Akhnoor. The area of 10 kilometres at the International Border is manned by the Indian Army in Akhnoor, while the rest of the International Border area is manned by the Border Security Force.

Pakistan resorts to diversion tactics to facilitate infiltration

Later during the day, Republic learnt that in order to facilitate infiltration by terrorists, the Pakistani side had set forests on fire to divert the Indian Army in the Khour region of Akhnoor.

The group of four terrorists – moving in pairs – was eventually detected by the Indian Army troops deployed on the Khour International Border in the Akhnoor Sector.

According to sources, swift and effective action was taken, leading to the elimination of one assailant. 

“Infiltration bid foiled in IB sector of #Khour, #Akhnoor. Suspected move of four terrorists seen through own surveillance devices on the night of 22/23 Dec 23. Effective fire brought down. Terrorists seen dragging one body back across the IB,” White Knight Corps of the Indian Army posted on X. 

Separately, intelligence reports have spurred another significant anti-terror operation in Poonch and Rajouri districts of Jammu and Kashmir. The operation aims to apprehend the assailants responsible for the recent attack on security forces, which claimed the lives of four brave soldiers, while three others were hospitalised.