Five Army personnel killed as militants ambush vehicle in J&K’s Poonch
One soldier sustained serious injuries and is undergoing treatment at the Army Hospital at Rajouri.
Five Army personnel were killed in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district on Thursday when militants ambushed their vehicle, officials said.
One soldier sustained serious injuries and is undergoing treatment at the Army Hospital at Rajouri.
The attack took place around 3 pm, the Army’s Northern Command Headquarters said.
#WATCH | Security forces secure the area where an Army truck was attacked by terrorists in Poonch dist, J&K. 5 personnel of Rashtriya Rifles deployed in this area lost their lives
— ANI (@ANI) April 20, 2023
Army says terrorists may have thrown grenades at the truck which led to the vehicle catching fire. pic.twitter.com/Z5JD7gFhZm
“...One Army vehicle, moving between Bhimber Gali and Poonch in the Rajauri sector was fired on by unidentified terrorists, taking advantage of heavy rains and low visibility in the area,” an official statement read. “The vehicle caught fire, due to likely use of grenades by terrorists.”
The personnel who died belonged to the Rashtriya Rifles unit and were engaged in counterterrorism operations.
The Army said that operations are underway to locate the perpetrators.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said he was deeply anguished about the deaths of the Army personnel. “Their rich service to the nation will never be forgotten,” he said. “My thoughts are with the bereaved families.”
I am deeply anguished by the loss of lives of brave Army personnel in a tragic incident at Poonch. Their rich service to the nation will never be forgotten. My thoughts are with the bereaved families.
— Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) April 20, 2023
National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said he unequivocally condemns the attack and expressed condolences to the families of those killed.
Terrible news of a terror attack in Poonch that claimed the lives of 5 army jawans in the line of duty. I unequivocally condemn this heinous attack & send my condolences to the loved ones of those killed today. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) April 20, 2023
