In a significant counter-terror operation, the Indian Army thwarted a terror ambush in the dense jungles of Battal, Jammu, on October 28, 2024, resulting in the elimination of three terrorists. The operation, which unfolded in the pre-dawn hours, occurred when terrorists ambushed an army convoy. Swift response from the troops led to the attackers’ retreat with no casualties among convoy personnel.
The Indian Army’s actions were bolstered by close coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) and the Special Operations Group (SOG), as well as valuable support from local intelligence and community members. Advanced night surveillance devices, unmanned ground vehicles, and surveillance drones were deployed, ensuring real-time tracking of the terrorists under challenging conditions and preventing any potential escape.
Special Forces were mobilized swiftly to reinforce the area, closing in on the terrorists. Tragically, Army dog Phantom sustained fatal injuries during the operation, underlining the risks faced by personnel engaged in counter-terror efforts. This operation exemplifies the Indian Army’s commitment to ensuring peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly amid heightened infiltration threats as winter approaches.
Ongoing Infiltration Threats Across Border Launching Pads
Following the Battal operation, Major General Sameer Srivastava, General Officer Commanding of the Army’s 10 Infantry Division, emphasized the challenges posed by over 50 terrorists reportedly stationed on launching pads across the border, attempting to infiltrate the Jammu region. He reassured that the security grid remains on high alert, prepared to counter these attempts, especially given the seasonal rise in infiltration during the winter months.
Addressing recent successful operations, Maj Gen Srivastava stated, “Our security forces are fully prepared to counter infiltration and protect civilians. Each successful operation will impact terrorism in the region.” He was joined by Brigadier Kapil Taneja, Commander of the 28 Infantry Brigade, and DIG Shiv Kumar Sharma of the Jammu-Kathua-Samba Range, emphasizing ongoing efforts to strengthen the counter-infiltration grid.
The Major General confirmed that between 50 to 60 terrorists are stationed at launching pads south of the Pir Panjal range, with intelligence indicating increasing infiltration activity. Describing the recent operation in Akhnoor as a significant achievement, he clarified that the killed terrorists were not part of a fresh infiltration attempt but were being tracked for some time. “This was a group already active in the hinterland and was ultimately exposed in the Akhnoor area,” he said.
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The Indian Army also dispelled social media rumors about the use of BMP armored vehicles in the Battal operation, clarifying that the hardened vehicles were deployed only to ensure a safe close-in on the trapped terrorists. Army officials emphasized that as a professional force, the Indian Army upholds respect for all, including the mortal remains of slain terrorists, and operates with the highest standards of conduct.
