J&K: Army Dog Falls To Bullets, Terrorist Killed in Akhnoor Encounter, Say Officials

A search operation in the Akhnoor sector is underway after the presence of terrorists was reported by the villagers and a few gunshots were heard.

Jammu: A terrorist was killed in a gunfight between security forces and terrorists near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Akhnoor sector here on Monday, Army said.

Also, one Army dog on Monday made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the nation, Army said. As the troops were closing in on the trapped terrorists, Phantom (the dog) drew enemy fire, sustaining fatal injuries. His courage, loyalty, and dedication will never be forgotten, the Army said in a statement. The dog was part of the special para forces when he was killed in action while tracking militants.

The Indian Army has paid their tribute to the martyred dog, acknowledging its exceptional bravery and dedication. The Indian Army has expressed its condolences and praised the dog's loyalty and dedication.

In a post on X, a spokesperson for the Army's based White Knight Corps wrote, “Terrorists fired upon a convoy near Asan, Sundarbani Sector, targeting Army vehicles in the morning. Swift retaliation by own troops ensured foiling of the attempt, ensuring no injuries. The area has been cordoned off, and a search operation to neutralize the terrorists is ongoing”.

“Body of one terrorist along with weapon has been recovered. Operations are under progress,” the spokesperson said in another post.

According to officials, the encounter broke out during a search operation in the Bhattal area of Khour after three terrorists opened fire on an Army ambulance passing through the main road near Assan temple in Jogwan early on Monday morning.

Soon after the gunfight erupted, reinforcements were rushed to the area to neutralise the heavily armed terrorists, believed to be three in number, who managed to sneak into Jammu from across the border during the intervening night as per officials.

It is learnt that the terrorists had entered a temple and were desperately looking for a mobile phone to make a call. They noticed the passing ambulance and opened fire on it, the officials said, adding the ambulance was hit by over a dozen bullets.