In a tragic incident on Monday, four army soldiers lost their lives and six others sustained injuries in a terrorist attack in the Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir, according to reports.
The attack occurred in Badnota village. The injured soldiers were quickly transported to Sub District Hospital Billawar for advanced medical treatment.
Officials reported that the terrorists initiated the attack by throwing a grenade and then opening automatic fire on army vehicles conducting routine patrols on the Machedi-Kindli-Malhar road at around 3:30 pm.
“The terrorist attack took place near Badnota village, which is approximately 150 kilometres from Kathua town,” officials confirmed, correcting an earlier statement that placed the location 52 kilometres from Kathua town.
Security forces retaliated but reports suggest that the terrorists managed to escape the scene.
A massive Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) was launched in the area following the evacuation of the injured soldiers to the hospital. Hospital doctors indicated that the condition of two of the injured soldiers is critical.
Officials added that reinforcements have been dispatched to strengthen the security forces and track down the terrorists responsible for the attack.
This incident marks the second significant terror-related event in Kathua district within the last four weeks. Earlier, two terrorists and a CRPF jawan were killed in a gunfight during a search and cordon operation between June 12 and June 14 in the Hiranagar area of Kathua district.
Additionally, on June 9, a major terrorist attack targeted innocent pilgrims in the Reasi district of Jammu division, where terrorists opened fire on a pilgrim bus returning from Shiv-Khori temple.
(With inputs from IANS)