J&K: Several Detained As Manhunt Intensifies For Terrorists Behind Attack On IAF Convoy In Poonch

IAF convoy attack: Several individuals were detained for questioning regarding the attack, which marks the first major incident in the Jammu region this year.

A large-scale search operation is underway to track down terrorists behind the attack on an Indian Air Force (IAF) convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, with many being detained for questioning for the second day on Sunday, officials said. Along with senior Army and intelligence officers, the Additional Director General of Police for Jammu, Anand Jain, paid a visit to the ambush site in the Surankote area. Officials confirmed that the Army also used a helicopter for aerial surveillance, PTI reported.

The attack occurred on Saturday evening near Shahsitar, resulting in injuries to five IAF personnel, one of whom later succumbed to injuries at a military hospital.

According to PTI, officials disclosed that a well-coordinated joint operation by the Army and the police is ongoing in various areas, including Shahsitar, Gursai, Sanai, and Sheendara Top, to neutralise the terrorists. "The attackers are believed to have fled to a forest after the attack," they said. "Besides AK assault rifles, the terrorists also used a US-made M4 carbine and steel bullets to cause maximum casualties," the officials also said.

The fallen hero has been identified by the IAF as Corporal Vikky Pahade, with condolences extended to his family. "The CAS (Chief of Air Staff) Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari & all personnel of Indian Air Force salute the braveheart Corporal Vikky Pahade, who made the supreme sacrifice in Poonch sector, in the service of the nation. Our deepest condolences to the bereaved family. We stand firmly by your side in this hour of grief," it posted on 'X'.

No Direct Engagement With Terrorists: Officials

Army's Para Commandos teams have also been deployed in the search operation. As of now, there has been no direct engagement with the terrorists, officials stated, while noting that several individuals were detained for questioning regarding the attack, which marks the first major incident in the Jammu region this year.

According to the officials, there has been a greater emphasis on vehicle inspections throughout the district, which is set to host polls for the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha election on May 25. Poonch is included in the parliamentary constituency of Anantnag-Rajouri.

Major terrorist attacks have occurred in the border district of Poonch and nearby Rajouri during the last two years. There was peace in the region from 2003 to 2021.