5 soldiers killed in J&K’s Kathua army convoy attack, manhunt underway to track down terrorists

In a tragic incident on Monday, five army personnel lost their lives and six others were injured when terrorists ambushed an army convoy in the remote Machedi area of Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district. The attack took place around 3:30 pm on the Machedi-Kindli-Malhar road near Badnota village in Lohai Malhar, approximately 150 km from Kathua town. The terrorists hurled a grenade and opened fire on the convoy during a routine patrol. Security forces retaliated, but the terrorists managed to flee into the nearby forest. An intermittent exchange of gunfire was reported between the terrorists and security forces following the initial attack, with reinforcements being rushed to the area to support ongoing operations. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of the soldiers and extended his condolences to their families. In a statement posted on social media platform X, Singh said, "I am deeply anguished at the loss of five of our brave Indian Army soldiers in a terrorist attack in Badnota, Kathua (J&K). My deepest condolences to the bereaved families, the nation stands firm with them in this difficult time. The counter-terrorist operations are underway, and our soldiers are determined to usher in peace and order in the region. I pray for a speedy recovery to those who sustained injuries in this dastardly terror attack." The incident underscores the ongoing threat posed by terrorist activities in the region and the challenges faced by security forces in maintaining peace and security.