 "Kathua Terror Attack: One More Jawan Succumbs To Injuries, Death Toll Rises To Five")
New Delhi: Another soldier injured in the terrorist attack on an army convoy in J&K's Kathua on Monday died in hospital, bringing the total number of soldiers killed to five. According to an official, one of the five army soldiers killed was a JCO. Following the terrorist attack, Para commandos were airdropped in the area to track down and apprehend the attackers. Officials said the terrorists threw a grenade and then opened fire on army vehicles patrolling the Machedi-Kindli-Malhar road in Kathua at 3.30 p.m.
"The attack by terrorists occurred near Badnota village, which is 150 km away from Kathua town," according to government sources. Earlier, officials stated that the terrorist attack occurred 52 kilometres from Kathua. The security forces retaliated, but the terrorists reportedly fled the scene.
"Ten army soldiers were injured in the terrorist attack. Five soldiers died as a result of their critical injuries after being transported to the hospital. Five injured soldiers are being treated at the hospital, according to an official. A massive CASO (Cordon and Search Operation) was launched in the area.
According to officials, reinforcements have been dispatched to the area to supplement the strength of security forces in order to track down the terrorists responsible for the attacks. Monday's attack is the second major terror incident in Kathua district in the last four weeks.
On June 12 and 14, a gunfight broke out during a search and cordon operation in the district's Hiranagar area, killing two terrorists and a CRPF jawan. On June 9, terrorists opened fire on a pilgrim bus returning from the Shiv-Khori temple in Reasi, Jammu division.
The terrorists shot and killed the bus driver, then continued firing at the bus after it plunged into a gorge. The attack resulted in the deaths of nine pilgrims and injured 44 others.
R.R. Swain, the DGP of Jammu and Kashmir, has stated that a group of foreign terrorists is operating in the hilly districts of Poonch, Rajouri, and the surrounding areas, taking advantage of the terrain and remoteness of the area.
The security forces have launched an aggressive campaign against the terrorists. On July 6 and 7, six terrorists and two soldiers were killed in two encounters between holed-up terrorists in Kashmir's Kulgam district.
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