J&K terrorists encounter in Doda: Four soldiers killed, 1 critically injured

Jammu: Four army personnel, including an officer succumbed to injuries after a gunfight with heavily-armed terrorists here in Doda district early Tuesday, official sources said.

The encounter took place when the troops of Rashtriya Rifles and Special Operations Group of J&K Police launched a joint cordon and search operation at Dhari Gote Urarbagi in Desa forest belt, some 55 km from Doda town, late Monday evening, the officials said.

After a brief exchange of fire, they said the terrorists tried to escape but were chased by the brave troops led by an officer despite challenging terrain, thick foliage leading to another firefight in the woods around 9 pm.

"Based on specific intelligence inputs, a joint operation by Indian Army and JKP was in progress in General area North of Doda. Contact with terrorists was established tonight at about 2100h in which heavy firefight ensued," the White Knights Corps said in a post on X.

Five soldiers were critically injured in the encounter and four of them, including the officer, later succumbed to injuries, the officials said. 

Earlier in the day, Jammu and Kashmir Police recovered old-rusted arms and ammunition from a terrorist hideout in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The recovery items include 30 rounds of AK-47, one magazine of AK-47 rifle, and one HE-36 hand grenade, as per the officials.

"During the search and cordon operation, the police party recovered old-rusted arms and ammunition from Dalantop area of Shikari," officials said in a press release.
(with inputs from agencies)