Poonch: In a tragic incident, terrorists on Thursday targeted two army vehicles in Dera Ki Gali, resulting in the martyrdom of four soldiers and injuries to two others. This area, situated on the Thanamandi-Surankote Road, has become a recurring hotspot for terrorist activities, with the latest attack occurring during a cordon and search operation by security forces.

How Dera Ki Gali’s forests were used by terrorists to launch surprise attack

Dera Ki Gali, located just 20 kilometers from the Line of Control (LoC), links Bafliaz in Poonch to Thanamandi in Rajouri. The region's hilly terrain and dense forests provide cover for terrorists, allowing them to execute their plans discreetly. This marks the second major attack in less than a month, with a previous encounter on November 22 resulting in the martyrdom of five soldiers.

The natural caves within the forest of Dera Ki Gali have proven to be effective hideouts for terrorists, aiding their escape from aerial surveillance. Over the past two decades, security forces have successfully uncovered several hideouts in these caves.

This area, serving as a route for terrorists to infiltrate from the Line of Control, raises concerns about the persistent targeting of army convoys. Despite the challenges posed by the rugged landscape, security forces have consistently thwarted terrorist designs, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and strategic measures to counteract such threats.