Two Soldiers Injured in Fresh Gunfight Amid Ongoing Search for Militants in J-K’s Doda

Jammu, July 18 2024 :  Two soldiers were injured in a fresh gunfight early Thursday morning in the forested region of Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir. The clash took place in the Upper Desa Bhatta forests in the Kashtigarh area, where security forces are engaged in an ongoing operation.

The Indian Army confirmed the encounter and reported that the injured soldiers have been transported to the Doda Government Medical College Hospital. The latest firefight follows a brief exchange of fire between terrorists and security forces in the same area just 24 hours earlier, marking the third such attack on security forces in Doda since Monday night.

The new gunbattle erupted after militants targeted a security force camp near a government school around midnight. The confrontation lasted until approximately 4 a.m. when the terrorists reportedly fled the scene.

This fresh violence comes in the wake of a deadly ambush on Monday, where four soldiers, including an Army captain, were killed. In response, security forces have intensified combing and search operations in the Desa forests. They have been conducting these operations during daylight hours and taking refuge in safer locations after dark.

On the night of Tuesday and Wednesday, there was a brief exchange of fire between the militants and members of the Melan Village Defence Group. To locate the militants, security forces have deployed helicopters, drones, and para commandos to assist in the extensive searches.