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Published 13:14 IST, December 22nd 2023

6 arrested following Poonch terror attack, forces suspect 'local hand' in aiding the terroristS

Amid the Poonch terror attack probe, 2 individuals have been detained as suspicions emerge regarding local involvement in aiding the terrorists.

Reported by: Digital Desk
First arrests made following Poonch terror attack, forces suspect ‘local hand’ in helping terrorists. | Image: Republic

Srinagar: Security forces have detained six locals for questioning in connection with the suspected 'local hand' to terrorists involved in the recent terror attack in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, as per sources on Friday, December 22.

On Thursday night, an Indian Army convoy faced a terrorist assault at ‘Dhatyar Morh’, situated between Dhera Ki Gali and Bufliaz, resulting in the loss of four soldiers' lives and injuring three others.

The assault happened around 3:45 pm when terrorists targeted the Army vehicles as they were en route to a search operation site. The attack, taking place at a blind curve, caught the Army personnel off guard in an area falling under the jurisdiction of the Surankote police station.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Suneel Bartwal, the Defence Public Relations Officer (PRO) based in Jammu, the Army had initiated a joint search operation based on ‘credible’ intelligence indicating the presence of terrorists in the general vicinity of Dhera Ki Gali the previous night.

As additional forces were on their way to strengthen the operation, terrorists opened fire on the Army vehicles, which included a truck and a Maruti Gypsy. Despite the soldiers' retaliation, the attack resulted in the loss of four brave soldiers, while three others sustained injuries. The injured soldiers were then evacuated to a nearby hospital for immediate medical attention.

Reportedly, an ancillary group purportedly linked to the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) has claimed responsibility for this ruthless assault.

Authorities continue to conduct an ongoing operation, intensifying efforts to gather critical information and eliminate the lingering terrorist threat in the region. The situation, as per reports, remains under close scrutiny as security forces work to ensure the safety and security of the affected area.

Updated 14:40 IST, December 22nd 2023

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