The terrorist attack on July 8 that killed five Indian Army personnel and injured six in Kathua district was meticulously planned possibly with the help of locals as they conducted recce of the area and used sophisticated weapons to maximize casualties, sources said.
The attack happened in the afternoon on Machedi-Kindli-Malhar road, about 150 km from Kathua when the army vehicles were on a routine patrol.
According to sources, the Pakistani terrorists possibly took the help of local supporters, indicating a planned targeted attack. The hi-tech weapons included M4 Carbine rifles and explosive devices, among other ammunition.
The terrorists threw a grenade and then opened fire, which was followed by retaliation from the security forces. However, the terrorists fled into the nearby forest, officials said.
The place where the terrorists attacked the military convoy lacks proper road connectivity, and vehicles cannot move at speeds greater than 10-15 kilometers per hour. The terrorists took advantage of the terrain, as the army vehicles moved very slowly.
"2-3 terrorists and 1-2 local guides had taken positions atop hills. The terrorists first lobbed grenades at the army vehicles and then fired at them. The driver was the first target, as in previous terror attacks," a leading national daily quoted sources as saying.
"A local guide helped the terrorists survey the area and provided them with food and shelter. After the attack, he helped them reach their hideouts," the sources added.
Meanwhile, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has expressed condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers.
"I am deeply anguished at the loss of five of our brave Indian Army soldiers in a terrorist attack in Badnota, Kathua (J&K)," the defense minister said on X.
"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," he added.
Defence Secretary Aramane too expressed his "profound grief on the loss of five bravehearts" in the attack and extended deepest condolences to the bereaved families.
"Their selfless service to the nation will always be remembered and their sacrifice will not go unavenged and India will defeat the evil forces behind the attack," he said, as a massive search operation was launched to hunt down the attackers.
The Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, said these attacks can only be stopped through strict action, and not "hollow speeches and false promises".
This is the second attack on the Indian Army personnel in the Jammu region in the past 48 hours. On July 7, an army camp in Rajouri district was attacked in which one soldier was injured.
