#Breaking: Soldier Killed as Army, Police Hunt Terrorists in Udhampur, J-K
Joint operation continues in forest area after gunfight leaves soldier dead.
A soldier critically wounded in a fierce gunfight with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur district succumbed to his injuries early Saturday, as joint teams from the Army and police intensified their search for the militants in a remote forest area. The incident underscores the persistent security challenges in the region's rugged terrains, where terrorist activities remain a threat despite ongoing counter-insurgency efforts.
The clash erupted late Friday evening when militants ambushed a joint patrol comprising Army personnel and the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police in the Seoj Dhar forest near the border of Dudu-Basantgarh in Udhampur and Bhaderwah in the neighbouring Doda district. The soldier, whose identity was not immediately disclosed, sustained severe injuries during the exchange of fire and was rushed to a nearby medical facility. Despite medical intervention, he passed away, marking a sombre loss for the security forces engaged in the operation.
Authorities maintained a tight security cordon around the encounter site overnight to prevent the escape of the assailants. Operations resumed at dawn on Saturday, with reinforcements, including drone surveillance units and sniffer dogs, deployed from both the Udhampur and Doda sectors. Officials estimate two to three terrorists are holed up in the dense forest, believed to be affiliated with active militant groups operating in the Pir Panjal range. No further engagements have been reported as of the latest updates.
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This encounter is part of a broader surge in security operations across Jammu and Kashmir following heightened militant incursions since early 2024. The region, spanning over 2,000 square kilometres of challenging terrain, has seen multiple such ambushes, prompting enhanced coordination between central forces and local police. The sacrifice of the soldier highlights the risks faced by personnel in these remote areas, where quick response and advanced technology play crucial roles in neutralising threats and restoring stability.
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