Indian Army Dog Kent Dies While Protecting Her Handler During Encounter In J&K’s Rajouri

The Indian Army dog Kent from the 21 Army Dog Unit was leading a group of Indian Army soldiers towards the fleeing terrorists when the firing started.

Kent was a six-year-old female labrador of the 21 Army Dog Unit.

Source : ANI

Kent, a 6-year-old labrador, was shielding her handler when she came under heavy firing during an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri on Tuesday, reported ANI. The brave Kent from the 21 Army Dog Unit was leading a group of Indian Army soldiers to fleeing terrorists when the firing started and she died at the scene during the firing, the Public Relations Officer, Indian Army, Jammu said in a statement.

#WATCH | Indian Army dog Kent, a six-year-old female labrador of the 21 Army Dog Unit laid down her life while shielding its handler during the ongoing Rajouri encounter operation in J&K. Kent was leading a column of soldiers on the trail of fleeing terrorists. It came down under… pic.twitter.com/ZQADe50sWK

— ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2023

"Army dog Kent was at the forefront of 'Operation Sujaligala'. Kent was leading a column of soldiers on the trail of the fleeing terrorists. It came down under heavy hostile fire. While shielding its handler, it laid down its life in the best traditions of the Indian Army," a Defence spokesperson said, according to PTI. 

Meanwhile, one suspected Pakistani terrorist and an Army soldier were killed in a gunfight in Rajouri. Besides, three security personnel were injured in the exchange of fire.

Additional Director General of Police, Jammu Zone, Mukesh Singh, said the encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in Narla village.

"One terrorist and an Army soldier were killed while three security personnel – two Army jawans and one special police officer – were injured in the gunfight," he said.

The security forces had launched a search and cordoned off the forested Patrada area on Monday evening. They fired a few rounds after noticing suspicious movement of two people. However, the two managed to escape from the scene in the darkness and this foliage proved to be advantageous to them. However, they left behind a rucksack along with some clothes and other articles that were recovered by the search parties. 

The cordon and search operation was extended to nearby areas, including Bambel and Narla, to track down the terrorists. 

Reactions To Kent’s Death

Several people took to X (formerly Twitter) to thank the braveheart for the greatest sacrifice. A user stated that the "the four legged silent warrior" will always be remembered for her "her service and supreme sacrifice for the Nation". 

Sad news coming in-

Brave Canine Warrior KENT of 21 Army Dog Unit laid down her life serving in ongoing OP SUJALIGALA at Rajouri, J&K earlier today - 12 September 2023.

The six year old female Labrador was leading a column of soldiers on the trail of fleeing terrorists. The… pic.twitter.com/L5j7MDZNiX

— LestWeForgetIndia🇮🇳 (@LestWeForgetIN) September 12, 2023

Another user thanked the canine for her sacrifice and her duty to the nation. 

Indian Army dog Kent, a six-year-old female labrador of the 21 Army Dog Unit laid down her life while shielding its handler during the operation in J&K. Thank you Kent ❤️

Om Shanti 💐 pic.twitter.com/GhRaOLCKlE

— The Cinéprism (@TheCineprism) September 12, 2023

Similarly, another user thanked Kent for her service to the nation by sheilding her handler during the shooting. 

Army dog Kent laid down her life while shielding its handler during operation in Rajouri, J&K

Kent was leading column of soldiers on the trail of fleeing terrorists. It came down under heavy hostile fire

Till now, 1 terrorist killed

Thank you Kent for serving nation#RIP… pic.twitter.com/xZnqHdnmt9

— Vidit Sharma 🇮🇳 (@TheViditsharma) September 12, 2023

A user said that Kent had martyred while protecting the one she was accompanying and that he salutes her for loyalty. 

This is a dog named Kent, who was martyred while saving the life of the soldier accompanying him. She was chasing the terrorist with an army unit. Salute to her loyalty.
RIP #kent pic.twitter.com/FJnsrg0qct

— Ayush Bhardwaj (@ayushbhaardwaj) September 13, 2023