Tag: Poonch

Poonch Attack: Local ‘Imam’ Among Seven Arrested So Far

[ad_1]
SRINAGAR: Expanding the scope of the investigation into the Poonch attack, the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police on Saturday detained a religious leader (Moulvi) from Jammu’s Bathindi area for allegedly having links with the militants involved in the recent attack. Although security forces are tight-lipped on the incident and restricted from sharing news with the media, reliable sources informed the news agency KNO that during the interrogation and questioning of detainees, the name of a Poonch-based Moulvi surfaced, allegedly having links across the border.
“A team of SOG detained Moulvi Manzoor from the Madrassa, Markaz-ul-Maarif in Bathindi on suspicion of having links with the Poonch attack,” sources said, adding that the accused is a teacher in the Madrassa and hails from the Poonch district. The fresh raid in Jammu took place a day after Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbagh Singh claimed that the terror plot had been uncovered and six locals had been arrested for sheltering the militants.
Earlier, on April 20, militants ambushed an army vehicle in which five soldiers were killed, and one was left injured. The soldiers were from a Rashtriya Rifles unit deployed for counter-terror operations.
According to DGP Singh, the explosives and weapons came from Pakistan through drones. Singh said that the police had so far questioned more than 200 people, and the operation to neutralize the involved in the attack is underway. “Six persons (of a module) have been arrested. They include those who have provided material (weapons, ammunition, explosives) to the militants besides shelter and food and guided them from one to another place,” Singh told reporters during a visit to Rajouri district. He also claimed that there are 10 to 12 such elements operating in the area.
Earlier, Army’s Northern Commander Lt. Gen. Upendra Dwivedi also visited the attack site and said that necessary action is underway against the militants responsible for the deadly attack on an army truck in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district that left five soldiers dead.
Meanwhile, a massive search operation to track down the militants is underway in Bhata Dhurian following the ambush. (KNO)

[ad_2]
#Poonch #Attack #Local #Imam #Among #Arrested

( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

April 29, 2023
Poonch Attack: Common People Are Being Tortured, Says Mehbooba Mufti

[ad_1]
SRINAGAR: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday alleged that the people of Poonch and Rajouri districts were being harassed and tortured by the security forces after the recent attack in Poonch that left five soldiers dead. She also demanded an in-depth probe into the attack.
Addressing a press conference at party headquarters, Mehbooba targetted the central government over the militant attack and said that an in-depth investigation of the attack should be done.
“How did the attack happen in a highly-secured area that is under the heavy presence of troops? There should be an investigation into the incident so that the truth comes forward. But the truth should not come at the cost of harassing the people of Rajouri and Poonch,” she added.
The PDP chief said that ever since the attack took place the authorities have been “oppressing” the common people in the twin districts. “The situation is that the people of these areas are being harassed, caught, questioned, and tortured,” she alleged.
Questioning the death of Mukhtar Shah, a resident of the Bataduria area of Poonch, who allegedly committed suicide after being questioned in connection to the poonch attack Mehbooba said, “A purported video of Shah came out in which he says he was fed up because his family, friends, and villagers were harassed. There should be an investigation,” Mufti said,
Adding further she said that there are two others who have also been grievously injured because of sustained questioning and torture.
In the aftermath of the Poonch incident, hundreds of people have been questioned and among which dozens of people are either in NIA, army or police custody, she said. “People of Rajouri and Poonch are the most peace-loving and have never supported guns,” she said.
The PDP leader also alleged, “The locals are being oppressed ever since the start of G-20 events. Hundreds of local youth have been picked ahead of the G-20 meeting which is being held in Srinagar next month.”

“Ever since the process of the G-20 meeting has started, an arrest spree has started and people are being questioned. The situation in J&K is worse than in Guantanamo Bay. Let them do the G-20 event, but why are the youth being arrested?” she asked—(KNO)

[ad_2]
#Poonch #Attack #Common #People #Tortured #Mehbooba #Mufti
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

April 29, 2023
Two Pak intruders apprehended along LoC in Poonch

[ad_1]
Poonch/Jammu, Apr 29: A father-son duo from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) were apprehended by the Army near the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district on Saturday, officials said.
Sardar Abdul Hamid and his son Abbass of Polas village were nabbed by the troops in Gulpur sector shortly after they intruded into this side from across the border, the officials said.
They said the questioning of the duo is in progress and it was not immediately clear whether they crossed the border inadvertently or with some intention.
However, no incriminating material was recovered from their possession, they said.–(PTI)
[ad_2]
#Pak #intruders #apprehended #LoC #Poonch
( With inputs from : roshankashmir.net )

April 29, 2023
Poonch Attack Was Not Possible Without Local Support: DGP

[ad_1]
Says ‘Hidden OGWs’ Providing Any Sort Of Support To Militant Activities Are Being Identified
M S Naki
Jammu, April 28 (GNS): Director General of Police Dilbag Singh on Friday said April 21 attack on army in which five soldiers were killed and another was injured at Bhata Durian area in Poonch was not possible without some local support.
“The militants were provided shelter at one place and then provided transport to carry out the attack at another place,” the top police officer told reporters in Rajouri after reviewing security situation in the area.
He said that a number of militants who had managed to sneak inside were gunned down and that few of infiltrated militants are still active in the area for which police alongwith other security force are intensifying their operations to track them down.
With regard to militant module that was recently busted in the District, the DGP said they were providing support to militants besides were collecting drone dropped arms and ammunition and cash for them.
“Hidden OGWs and accomplices providing any sort of support to militant activities are being identified and stringent action against each and every individual involved in anti national activities shall be taken,” he said, adding, “We are identifying the natural hideouts as the (militants) are taking shelter mostly in forests areas in these natural hideouts.”
About the local support, he said that a local Nisar Ahmed, a resident of Gursai village, was already in the suspect list of police. “He has been an active OGW of militants since 1990. He was questioned several times in the past. This time, after corroborating the evidence, he was found involved in providing logistic and other support to militants who carried out the Poonch attack,” the DGP said, adding, “Nisar’s family is also involved in providing support to (militants). He said with the arrest of Nisar, the investigation has got a new direction and vital leads have been obtained so far.

He said that Pakistan and its agencies are supplying arms and ammunition through drone to carry out militant activities. “We have data of all involved and strict action would be taken against them.” Earlier Singh visited the Border areas of Rajouri district and reviewed security scenario of the area.
Accompanied by ADGP Jammu Mukesh Singh DGP was received by DIG Rajouri-Poonch Range Dr. Mohd Haseeb Mughal and SSP Rajouri Amritpal Singh. SSP Jammu Chandan Kohli and CO IR 2nd BN Randeep Kumar were also present.
DGP during his visit, the DGP took stock of the prevailing security situation of the District particularly the infiltration attempts, Narco trade and drone activities from across the border. He also visited the Darhal area in the outskirts of the District.
While interacting with the jurisdictional officers, he directed for strengthening of the security grid by activating Naka checking points on different routes to track the movements of militants and their supporters, according to a police statement issued to GNS later.
He also stressed for devising and executing a proper Area Domination Plan. “He emphasized on utilizing modern technology and human intelligence to monitor the suspected movement on borders and as also in the hinterland to prevent anti-national activities and incidents thereof.”
DGP stressed for intensified investigation into the recent militant incident to track down each and every person involved. (GNS)
[ad_2]
#Poonch #Attack #Local #Support #DGP
( With inputs from : thegnskashmir.com )

April 28, 2023
Poonch Attack Carried Out With Active Local Support; IED Used To Blow Army Vehicle: Dilbagh Singh

[ad_1]
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir’s Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbagh Singh Friday said that the April 21 attack in Bhata Durian area of Poonch in which five soldiers were killed was carried out with active local support and militants had used steel-coated armour-piercing bullets and IEDs to target army vehicle to inflict maximum damage.
He said intense search to track the natural hide-outs used by militants is being launched and initial investigations suggest that nine to 12 foreign militants may be active in Rajouri-Poonch area, who may have infiltrated recently.
Talking to reporters after taking stock of the ongoing search operations in Darhal area of Rajouri district, DGP Singh said that the Poonch attack was carried out with active support of locals.
“Such attacks can’t be carried out without local support. The militants were provided shelter at one place and then provided transport to carry out the attack at another place. They had done proper recee of the area and despite rain they succeeded to target the army vehicle that was plying with almost zero speed due to blind turn,” the DGP said, adding that “the attackers knew the spot and speed of the vehicle.”
The DGP said that the terrorist used steel-coated armour-piercing bullets and IEDs to blow the army vehicle in a bid to inflict maximum damage. “Same bullets were used in the Dhangri, Rajouri attack. The Poonch attack was carried out near a forest area. Initial investigations suggest that the terrorists may have used natural hideouts. We are identifying the natural hide-outs that may have been used by the attackers before the attack and intense search operation is on to nab the attackers,” he said.
Replying to a query, he said that the group of terrorists involved in the recent attack may be divided into two and their number seems to be between nine to twelve.
About the local support, he said that the local Nisar Ahmed, a resident of Gursai village, was already in the suspect list of police. “He has been an active OGW of terrorists since 1990. He was questioned several times in the past. This time, after corroborating the evidence, he was found involved in providing logistic and other support to terrorists who carried out the Poonch attack,” the DGP said, adding that Nisar’s family is also involved in providing support to terrorists.
On whether terrorists had got weapons through drones, the DGP said that weapons, grenades and cash was air-dropped by drone and the same was collected by Nisar and his family members.

“We are identifying the spot where the drone had dropped the weapons and cash,” he said. He said so far, 200 people were questioned and 12 suspects have been detained. He said with the arrest of Nisar, the investigation has got a direction and vital leads have been received so far. (KNO)

[ad_2]
#Poonch #Attack #Carried #Active #Local #Support #IED #Blow #Army #Vehicle #Dilbagh #Singh
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

April 28, 2023
Poonch attack carried out with active local support; steel coated bullets, IED used to blow army vehicle: DGP Dilbagh Singh

[ad_1]
Rajouri, Apr 28: Jammu and Kashmir’s Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbagh Singh Friday said that the April 21 attack in Bhata Durian area of Poonch in which five soldiers were killed was carried out with active local support and terrorists had used steel-coated armour-piercing bullets and IEDs to target army vehicle to inflict maximum damage. He said intense search to track the natural hide-outs used by terrorists is being launched and initial investigations suggest that nine to 12 foreign militants may be active in Rajouri-Poonch area, who may have infiltrated recently.
Talking to reporters after taking stock of the ongoing search operations in Darhal area of Rajouri district, DGP Singh, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that the Poonch attack was carried out with active support of locals. “Such attacks can’t be carried out without local support. The terrorists were provided shelter at one place and then provided transport to carry out the attack at another place. They had done proper recee of the area and despite rain they succeeded to target the army vehicle that was plying with almost zero speed due to blind turn,” the DGP said, adding that “the attackers were knowing the spot and speed of the vehicle.”
The DGP said that the terrorist used steel-coated armour-piercing bullets and IEDs to blow the army vehicle in a bid to inflict maximum damage. “ Same bullets were used in the Dhangri, Rajouri attack. The Pooonch attack was carried out near a forest area. Initial investigations suggest that the terrorists may have used natural hideouts. We are identifying the natural hide-outs that may have been used by the attackers before the attack and intense search operation is on to nab the attackers,” he said. Replying to a query, he said that the group of terrorists involved in the recent attack may be divided into two and their number seems between nine to twelve.
About the local support, he said that the local Nisar Ahmed, a resident of Gursai village, was already in the suspect list of police. “He has been an active OGW of terrorists since 1990. He was questioned several times in the past. This time, after corroborating the evidence, he was found involved in providing logistic and other support to terrorists who carried out the Poonch attack,” the DGP said, adding that Nisar’s family is also involved in providing support to terrorists.
On whether terrorists had got weapons through drones, the DGP said that weapons, grenades and cash was air-dropped by drone and the same was collected by Nisar and his family members. “We are identifying the spot where the drone had dropped the weapons and cash,” he said. He said so far, 200 people were questioned and 12 suspects have been detained. He said with the arrest of Nisar, the investigation has got a direction and vital leads have been received so far—(KNO)
[ad_2]
#Poonch #attack #carried #active #local #support #steel #coated #bullets #IED #blow #army #vehicle #DGP #Dilbagh #Singh
( With inputs from : roshankashmir.net )

April 28, 2023
Poonch terror attack: Man who consumed poison after being called for police questioning dies

[ad_1]
Poonch: A 50-year-old man who allegedly consumed poison on being called by police for questioning in connection with last week’s terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch died on Thursday, sparking protests by agitated locals, an official said.
Mukhtar Hussain Shah, a resident of Nar village in the district’s Mendhar tehsil, was disturbed as he was facing some domestic issues, he said, adding that he was not summoned as a suspect.
However, in a video message which went viral after his death, Shah alleged harassment. He also called for stern action against the real culprits behind the attack and a united fight against terrorism.

Shah allegedly consumed poison on Tuesday evening and was admitted to the Government Medical College, Rajouri, where he died on Thursday morning, the official said.
Shah took the extreme step within hours of being asked to report for questioning in connection with the April 20 ambush by terrorists in the Bhata Dhurian forest that left five soldiers dead, he said.
The slain soldiers were from a Rashtriya Rifles unit deployed for counter-terror operations.
“He was not a suspect (in the terror attack case) but was called for questioning like most of the residents of his village that is located near the ambush site. We came to know he was facing domestic issues and was disturbed,” the official said.
Soon after Shah’s body reached near his house, his relatives and neighbours blocked the Jammu-Poonch national highway between Bhimber Gali and Bhata Dhurian to press for an inquiry into the circumstances leading to his death.

The protesters also raised slogans against the police and are being persuaded to disperse, the official said.
“I have no pressure from the Army, police or villagers. I am ending my life, even though it is wrong as per my religion. My family and I are being harassed and despite speaking the truth, nobody is listening to me,” Shah said in his nearly 10-minute video message.
Swearing by Allah and the holy book that he did not help the terrorists in carrying out the attack, he said 200 to 500 innocent villagers are facing harassment and torture for no fault of theirs.
“I am sad that my brothers from Rashtriya Rifles got martyred and I express my solidarity with their families. Humanity demands that no innocent’s blood should be shed and my family and villagers will protect our country and cooperate with (security) officers,” he said.
Shah said his family always supported India but the “same family is getting tortured. My request to the (security) officers is not to oppress innocents and if anyone is involved, let there be stern action against them”.
He said people are facing harassment because of someone else’s mistake. “I want to appeal to all Muslims that we should come together and support the Army so that the bloodshed ends forever and we are relieved of the torture,” he said.
“Let us come together with determination to stand up for peace. The government is providing everything to us but we are troubled because of some people. We have to expose them so that this thing is over for good,” he said.
Security forces have detained over 60 people as part of an ongoing anti-terrorist operation following the attack in Bhata Dhurian, a notorious infiltration route for terrorists from across the Line of Control because of its topography, dense forest cover and natural caves.
The massive search and cordon operation has been extended to many areas of both Poonch and nearby Rajouri but there has been no contact with the terrorists who fled the scene after the deadly ambush.
The official said a suspect has admitted to having provided logistic support to the terrorists for over two months and his further questioning is on.
Special forces are also engaged in the search operation that entered its eighth day on Thursday, officials said, adding that agencies are using drones, sniffer dogs and metal detectors in the operation.
Sources had earlier said that seven to eight terrorists in two groups are believed to have engineered the attack.
The terrorists reportedly hid under a culvert on the road from where they launched the attack on the truck which was carrying fruits, vegetables and other items to Sangiote village from the Bhimber Gali camp for iftar to be organised by the Rashtriya Rifles, according to initial investigation.
There were more than 50 bullet marks on the vehicle, which shows the intensity of the firing by the terrorists, the sources said.
The troops involved in the operation are exercising utmost caution as the terrorists may have planted improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the densely forested area with deep gorges and caves, they said.
Experts from various agencies, including the National Security Guard (NSG) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA), have visited the site of the attack.
According to the officials, a sniper is believed to have targeted the Army vehicle from the front before his associates fired and lobbed grenades on the vehicle from opposite sides, apparently giving the troops no time to retaliate.
“The terrorists used steel core bullets that can penetrate an armoured shield,” the officials said, adding that the terrorists decamped with the soldiers’ service weapons.
[ad_2]
#Poonch #terror #attack #Man #consumed #poison #called #police #questioning #dies
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

April 27, 2023
Man Who Sheltered Militants In Poonch Attack Detained

[ad_1]
SRINAGAR: As a first substantial breakthrough in the Poonch ambush probe, security forces zeroed in on a man who allegedly provided “shelter” and “support” to militants for at least two months before executing the April 20 attack, which claimed the lives of five soldiers.
Meanwhile, the search operation to track down the militants entered its sixth day.
Sources said that, following leads and cross-checking the statements of 50 detainees in the case, forces zeroed in on one Nasir, a local, for his involvement in sheltering and supporting the militants for more than two months before executing the ambush in Tota Gali, Bhata Dhurian in Bhimbir Gali Secto, Mendhar Poonch.
Army Commander Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi visited the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch and took stock of the ongoing operation, the officials said, adding he asked the troops to be relentless in their pursuit. This was the Army commander’s second visit to the region in less than a week.
Five Army personnel were killed, and another was seriously injured after their vehicle was attacked by militants in Poonch last Thursday.
A massive search and cordon operation was launched after the attack and has now spread to 12 areas across the twin districts of Poonch and Rajouri.
Sources claimed that after sustained questioning and cross-checking the statements, a local, Nasir, confessed his involvement and told investigators that he sheltered the militants at his house for more than two months and “provided them logistic and material support.”
“Some of the detainees were let off after questioning,” they said.

Special Forces are also engaged in the search operation, the sources said, adding that the agencies are backed by drones, sniffer dogs, and metal detectors.
A large spread of forest areas, deep gorges, natural caves, and dense growths have been searched, and the operation now covers other places, they said.
Meanwhile, a balloon from across the border was noticed in the Jhalas area of Poonch, they said.
Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi took stock of the search operation, which entered its sixth day on Wednesday.
“He interacted with the troops deployed in remote areas and exhorted them to be innovative and relentless in their pursuit,” the Northern Command tweeted.
This was the second visit of the army commander to the border districts within five days. Earlier on April 22, Lt Gen Dwivedi had visited the attack site at Bhata Dhurian, a notorious infiltration route for militants from across the Line of Control because of its topography, dense forest cover, and natural caves. Sources had earlier said that seven to eight militants spread in two groups are believed to have engineered the attack.
According to initial investigations, the militants reportedly hid themselves in a culvert on the road from where they launched the attack on the truck, which was carrying fruits, vegetables, and other items to Sangiote village from the Bhimber Gali camp for Iftar to be organized by the Rashtriya Rifles.
Over 50 bullet marks were spotted on the vehicle that shows the intensity of the firing by militants, the sources said.
The troops involved in the operation are exercising utmost caution as the militants may have planted improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the densely forested area with deep gorges and caves, they added.
The slain soldiers were from a Rashtriya Rifles unit deployed for counter-terror operations.
Experts from various agencies, including the National Security Guard (NSG) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA), have visited the site of the attack, the officials said.

[ad_2]
#Man #Sheltered #Militants #Poonch #Attack #Detained
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

April 26, 2023
‘Militants who killed 5 soldiers in J&K’s Poonch got logistics from locals’

[ad_1]
Poonch,apr, 26: Over 30 people have been arrested in the Rajouri-Poonch belt in connection with the militant attack that left 5 Rashtriya Rifles soldiers dead.
An army vehicle had come under fire in the Bhatadhurian village of Poonch district last week. The army vehicle had caught fire after the attack in which 5 soldiers were charred to death and one was shifted to hospital in injured condition.
After the attack, a multi-agency operation was launched while National Investigation Agency also became part of the operation.
A police official on condition of anonymity told news agency Kashmir News Trust that at least 30 locals from the Rajouri-Poonch belt have been arrested and during questioning some of them revealed that militants were staying in the Rajouri-Poonch belt for over 3 months after they infiltrated this area from across the border.
“Before the attack, the militants stayed in the house of a local Gujjar who is in police custody,” he said adding that some locals including a local handler were in touch exchanging voice notes on their cell phones.
Choppers and drones are being continuously pressed into service during this major search operation.
‘During the investigation, it has become clear that locals provided logistics to militants and the attack was planned from Pakistan,’ police sources said adding that militants got instructions from a local handler.
Four out of five soldiers who were killed in the attack were natives of Punjab and one from Odisha. They were identified as Harkrishan Singh, Kulwant Singh, Mandeep Singh, Sewak Singh, and Debashesh Baswal.

Former Jammu Kashmir Police Chief SP Vaid said that the Poonch attack has punctured the narrative of Pakistan that non-state actors are carrying out attacks independently. He said it is clear that somebody from Pakistan establishment are helping these militants. [KNT]
[ad_2]
#Militants #killed #soldiers #JKs #Poonch #logistics #locals
( With inputs from : roshankashmir.net )

April 26, 2023
Poonch Attack: Operation Enters Day Five, Probe Zeroes In On Pakistan Based Handlers

[ad_1]
by Insha Shirazi
SRINAGAR: A massive operation to track down militants involved in a deadly attack on an army truck in Poonch district has entered its fifth day, with around 50 people, including 14 over ground workers, detained for questioning so far. The attack on Thursday killed five Army personnel, with one soldier seriously injured after their vehicle caught fire.
The operation is focused on Bhata Dhurian-Tota Gali and neighbouring areas, with Special Forces and the National Security Guard engaged in searching the dense forest areas. Drones, sniffer dogs, and metal detectors are being used to aid the search, and natural cave hideouts in the area are also being checked, as are areas where improvised explosive devices (IEDs) may have been planted.
Two groups of seven to eight militants are believed to have carried out the attack, with militants reportedly hiding in a culvert on the road stretch before attacking the vehicle. Over 50 bullet marks have been found on the vehicle, demonstrating the intensity of the firing by militants. The army truck was carrying fruits, vegetables, and other items from the Bhimber Gali camp to Sangiote village for Iftar celebration when the attack occurred.
The slain soldiers were from a Rashtriya Rifles unit deployed for counter-militancy operations. The Bhimber Gali-Poonch road, closed for traffic following the attack, was reopened on Sunday, and experts from various agencies, including the National Security Guard and the National Investigation Agency, have visited the site to investigate the incident.
Army’s Northern Commander, Upendra Dwivedi, while speaking to The Tribune has confirmed that necessary action to apprehend the militants responsible for the attack is ongoing.
The Tribune reports that the agencies have narrowed their focus on two militant handlers based in Pakistan who are suspected of being responsible for the ambush.
As per The Tribune, The two militant handlers, Rafiq Nai (also known as Sultan) and Habibullah Malik (also known as Sajid Jutt), are believed to have played a key role in the attack. Both men were designated as militants by the Indian government last year. Habibullah’s name had previously come up in connection with a 2021 attack in the same forested area of Bhata Dhurian. During that encounter, which lasted over two weeks, nine soldiers were killed.
Habibullah, who was born in 1982 in Kasur, Pakistan, is associated with Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and its offshoot, The Resistance Front (TRF). According to a notification by the Union Home Ministry, he has been involved in radicalizing and recruiting Kashmiri youths into militancy through his network. He is also suspected of involvement in drone-dropping of arms and communication systems in Jammu region for J&K-based militants, as well as behind the infiltration of militants through the Line of Control in Poonch, particularly Bhimber Gali. Habibullah was also responsible for a fidayeen attack on soldiers at Hyderpora, Srinagar, in June 2013, and the killing of the then SHO of Chadoora, Budgam, in December 2013.

Rafiq, on the other hand, is the “launching commander” of Tahreek-ul-Mujahideen and Jammu Kashmir Ghaznavi Force. He is involved in supervising narcotics and weapon smuggling and the infiltration of militants in the Poonch and Rajouri sectors.
Despite the fact that the militants responsible for the Poonch attack have fled the scene, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Intelligence Bureau (IB), police, and other agencies have been working to identify those behind the attack. The Indian government has designated both Rafiq and Habibullah as militants, and their alleged involvement in the recent attack underscores the ongoing threat posed by militants operating from across the border in Pakistan.
Quoting officials on Monday, The Tribune reported that more than 40 people have been detained for questioning in connection with the Poonch militant attack. The cordon-and-search operation (CASO) has been intensified in Bhata Dhurian-Tota Gali and nearby areas with the induction of additional troops.
They added that the militants are believed to have hidden in a culvert on a stretch of the Bhimber Gali-Poonch road before attacking the truck. More than 50 bullet marks were found on the armoured vehicle. During the search operation, troops discovered natural cave hideouts that may have been used by the militants in the past. The troops are also looking for any improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that the militants may have planted in the dense forested areas.

[ad_2]
#Poonch #Attack #Operation #Enters #Day #Probe #Zeroes #Pakistan #Based #Handlers
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

April 25, 2023