||Black and White Digital News||

||Parvinder Singh May 27, 2024||

Poonch District, Jammu & Kashmir – It’s been three harrowing weeks since the fatal ambush on an Indian Air Force (IAF) convoy in the Shaistar area of Poonch district, resulting in the death of an IAF corporal and injuries to four others. Despite intensified search operations by J&K Police and Army officials, the terrorists responsible for this brazen attack remain at large, hidden within the dense forest terrain of the Pir Panjal range.

*The Ambush and Aftermath*

On May 4, an IAF convoy traveling through the Shaistar area was suddenly besieged by terrorists. The ambush was marked by the tragic loss of an IAF corporal and left four others injured. This attack was not an isolated incident but part of a disturbing pattern of assaults on security forces in the region. Similar tactics were employed in two previous attacks in Poonch on April 20 and December 21 of the previous year.

*Elusive Terrorists with Specialized Training*

Sources within Army intelligence suggest that the terrorists behind these attacks are adept in jungle warfare, leveraging natural cave hideouts within the Rajouri-Poonch forest areas to evade capture. The Pir Panjal range’s dense forests provide an ideal cover for these ultras, enabling them to strike and disappear without a trace.

“These terrorists have shown a sophisticated understanding of jungle warfare and forest concealment techniques, likely acquired through specialized training,” an intelligence source revealed. Notably, one of the terrorists involved in the May 4 attack was identified as an ex-Pakistan Army regular, trained in these very techniques.

*Unanswered Questions and Heightened Security*

In all three attacks, terrorists demonstrated precise knowledge of convoy movements, raising suspicions of a potential intelligence leak. Despite internal inquiries, it remains unclear how these ultras obtained such sensitive information.

The Rajouri and Poonch districts were geared up for elections, security forces had ramped up their measures.

Surveillance gadgets, including drones, and sniffer dogs are being deployed extensively in the search operations across Shaistar, Gursai, Sanai, Lasana, and Sheendara top in the Surankote belt and adjoining areas.

*The Search Efforts and Strategic Meetings*

The relentless pursuit of these terrorists by security forces involves combing through dense forest regions and natural caves that serve as their hideouts. However, the terrorists’ ability to continuously switch locations within these forests has hampered efforts to track them down.

High-level meetings between top Army and police officials have been ongoing to develop a robust strategy to locate these terrorists and prevent future attacks. The challenge remains formidable, given the complex and rugged terrain that these militants exploit to their advantage.

*The Human Cost and Ongoing Vigilance*

The deadly ambush on May 4 has left a profound impact on the security forces and the local community. The loss of an IAF corporal has underscored the perilous conditions under which these forces operate. As the search continues, the vigilance and resilience of the security personnel are being tested daily.

In summary, the attack on the IAF convoy in Poonch is a stark reminder of the persistent threats faced in this volatile region. The sophisticated guerrilla tactics of the terrorists, combined with the challenging terrain, pose significant hurdles. Nevertheless, the determination of the J&K Police and Army officials remains unwavering as they continue their relentless search for justice and peace in Poonch.