The attack on an army vehicle in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua on Monday was carried out by Pakistani terrorists, who used sophisticated weapons to maximise the casualties, sources said. The terrorists also conducted a reconnaissance of the attack, possibly with the help of local supporters, the sources added, hinting at a planned targeted attack.
The advanced weapons include M4 Carbine rifles and explosive devices, among other ammunition, according to sources.
The sources noted that Badnota village, where the attack took place, lacks proper road connectivity, and vehicles cannot move at speeds greater than 10-15 kilometres per hour. The terrorists apparently took advantage of the terrain, as the army vehicles were moving very slowly.
"2-3 terrorists and 1-2 local guides had taken positions atop hills. The terrorists first lobbed grenades at the army vehicles and then fired at them. The driver was the first target, as in previous terror attacks," sources.
The primary investigation also found that the terrorists had conducted reconnaissance in the area prior to the attack.
"A local guide helped the terrorists conduct reconnaissance of the area and also provided them with food and shelter. After the attack, he helped them reach their hideouts," the sources continued.
A massive combing operation continued in Kathua on Tuesday to trace the attackers, who are believed to have fled to nearby forest areas. However, hilly terrain, fog, and dense vegetation have become major hurdles in the search operation.
The terrorists targeted the army truck on the Machedi-Kindli-Malhar road near Badnota village in Lohai Malhar, approximately 150 km from Kathua town, around 3.30 pm. A Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) was among the five personnel killed in the attack. Five other soldiers were injured and are hospitalised.
The terror attack, the fifth in the Jammu region in a month, has drawn widespread condemnation.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh condoled the death of the army personnel and stressed that the soldiers are determined to ensure peace in the region.
"I am deeply anguished at the loss of five of our brave Indian Army Soldiers in a terrorist attack in Badnota, Kathua (J&K). My deepest condolences to the bereaved families, the Nation stands firm with them in this difficult time. The Counter Terrorist operations are underway, and our soldiers are determined to usher in peace and order in the region. I pray for a speedy recovery to those who sustained injuries in this dastardly terror attack," he wrote on X.
