NEW DELHI: On Tuesday, security forces confirmed the neutralization of three heavily armed terrorists during a counter-terror operation in Anknoor, Jammu and Kashmir. Officials indicated that the terrorists had a “big purpose” in their attack, which was thwarted by the swift actions of the forces, aided by unmanned vehicles and artificial intelligence.
Major General Sameer Srivastava, GOC of the 10 Infantry Division, detailed the operation, expressing gratitude to all involved. He emphasized the importance of community intelligence, stating, “We received timely information about their presence and acted accordingly.” He explained that the terrorists fired upon their convoy when their objectives were unmet, and their armament suggested they were intent on carrying out significant attacks, as noted by terrorist organizations’ communications.
The operation’s success was bolstered by advanced technology. Major General Srivastava clarified that the forces utilized specific vehicles suited for the challenging terrain, characterized by steep gradients and dense forests. “We deployed these vehicles after locating the militants to navigate the difficult area,” he said.
Tragically, the operation also claimed the life of an Army dog, Phantom, a four-year-old Belgian Malinois. He was fatally injured while defending his team during the counter-ambush operation, highlighting the vital role of canines in high-stakes missions. Phantom, born in May 2020 and assigned to the region in August 2022, had participated in numerous operations since being issued by the Remount Veterinary Corps of the Indian Army.
At the press conference, DIG Shiv Kumar Sharma of the Jammu-Samba-Kathua range joined Major General Srivastava to discuss their collaborative efforts with local authorities, including recent meetings with Jammu and Kashmir’s leadership. DIG Sharma noted the ongoing synergy between the Army and police forces, aimed at rapidly neutralizing any terrorist threats. “Our coordination continues to improve daily, and this operation exemplifies our joint efforts,” he stated.
