A group of around 40 to 50 Pakistani terrorists are reportedly hiding in the upper reaches of the hilly districts of Jammu region, prompting security forces to launch massive counter-terror operations in these areas to nab them, sources told.
These terrorists, who have managed to infiltrate the region, are highly trained and equipped with some of the most modern and sophisticated weapons, including American-made M4 Carbine Rifles fitted with night vision devices, sources said.
Additionally, these terrorists possess Chinese steel-coated bullets capable of penetrating bullet-proof vehicles, they added.
The Pakistani terrorists active in the Jammu division are also experts in mountain and jungle warfare, operating in small, scattered groups across different areas.
In response to the intel, Army troops have launched a cordon and search operation to track and hunt down the terrorists. Additionally, a tunnel detection exercise is currently underway along the India-Pakistan international border in Samba, and there is a crackdown on Over-Ground Workers (OGWs) of terrorists.
Earlier in the day, security forces thwarted a terrorist attack on a security post and house of a village defence guard (VDG) in Jammu's Rajouri district. A terrorist was killed, while a jawan and a civilian suffered injuries during the attack.
"Terrorists attacked the house of a VDC (member) at Gunda, Rajouri at 03.10 hours. A nearby Army column reacted and a firefight ensued," White Knight Corps said on X.
According to officials, the terrorists fired on the house of the VDG and ex-serviceman Parshottam Kumar, who is also a Shourya Chakra awardee, in Gundha area of Khawas tehsil.
The security personnel retaliated after the terrorists threw a grenade, following which they attacked a newly established Army picket in the area around 4 am, resulting in fire exchange, they said.
Since the start of this year, 14 terror attacks have taken place across six districts of the otherwise peaceful Jammu region which have resulted in the deaths of 27 people, including 11 security personnel, a village defense guard, and five terrorists.
