New Delhi: The Indian Army personnel on Sunday thanked 'Axel' -- an army dog who died during an anti-militancy operation in Baramulla district -- for his services as they bid adieu to their canine friend, news agency PTI reported. "Thank you for your Service Axel", Srinagar-based Chinar Corps tweeted along with a photo of the Army dog.
"#ChinarCorps salutes the valour & sacrifice of Army Dog No 74B7 AXEL (Aslt Canine) who laid down his life in the line of duty in Op Wanigambala, #Baramulla on 30 Jul 22," the army said in a tweet.
It is to be noted that a wreath laying ceremony was also held on Sunday for the fallen canine, who was part of the 26 Army Dog Unit and carried the number '74B7' during its service.
Apart from Axel, a militant, who was later identified as Kupwara-resident Akhtar Hussain Bhatt, was killed in the encounter at Wanigam Bala in Kreeri on Saturday, in which two security personnel also sustained injuries, according to the PTI report.
According to reports, the encounter started on Saturday morning at Wanigam village, after the police and army launched a joint operation based on a tip-off, about the presence of at least three militants, including one Pakistan national in the area.
As per officials, two-year-old 'Axel', a German shepherd attached with the Army's 26 Dog Unit, played a key role in the operation. To monitor the movement of the terrorists, Axel and another army dog Bajaj, were sent inside the target house wearing bodycams.
After a fierce gun battle followed between the security forces and the terrorists, Alex was hit by three bullets by the hiding militants.