Poonch: 1 IAF Jawan Martyred, 4 Injured in Terrorist Attack on Army Convoy in Surankote

Srinagar: One jawan of the Indian Air Force (IAF) was martyred and four other soldiers injured after terrorists opened fire on their convoy in the Surankote area of Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district on Saturday. Sources told Republic that 200 rounds were fired by the terrorists in the attack. As per latest reports, Pakistan-based militant organisation People's Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF) has claimed responsibility of the attack in Poonch. It is operated by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

“An Indian Air Force vehicle convoy was attacked by terrorists in the Poonch district of J&K. The local Rashtriya Rifles unit has started cordon and search operations in the area. The vehicles have been secured inside the air base in the General area near Shahsitar. Military personnel have suffered injuries. More details awaited," Security Forces’ officials said.

The IAF posted a statement on X after the attack. The IAF said, “An Indian Air Force vehicle convoy was attacked by militants in the Poonch district of J&K, near Shahsitar. Cordon and search operations are underway presently in the area by local military units. The convoy has been secured, and further investigation is under progress.”

How and Where Did the Attack Take Place?

The attack took place near Shahsitar in the evening when the vehicles were moving towards Sanai Top in the district's Surankote area.  Of the five injured soldiers the condition of two is said to be critical. They are undergoing treatment at a hospital. 

Meanwhile, reinforcements from the army and police have been rushed to the area and a massive search and cordon operation has been launched to track down and neutralise the terrorists, officials said. 

This marks the first major attack on the armed forces this year in a region that experienced a string of terrorist attacks targeting the army in the past.