Poonch, 24 April (Hindustan Times). The search for the terrorists involved in the Poonch terror attack continued for the fourth day on Monday. Security forces have detained more than 40 people for questioning under this operation.
Five army personnel were killed and a sixth was seriously injured when a military vehicle caught fire during a terrorist attack in Poonch on Thursday, which is still undergoing treatment at the army hospital. An army official said that additional troops have been inducted in the search operation to intensify the search operation with cordon and cordon in Bhatadhurian forest, Tota Gali and neighboring areas.
He said that the search operation with multiple security agencies has entered the fourth day on Monday and the entire area has been cordoned off. Investigation so far has revealed that the terrorists were hiding under a culvert on the Bhimber Gali-Poonch road before attacking the vehicle carrying the army personnel. A sniper targeted the army truck from the front, before his comrades opened fire and lobbed grenades from the opposite side. The soldiers did not get time to retaliate.
Officials said the terrorists used steel core bullets, which have the power to penetrate even an armored shield. Before fleeing, the terrorists also looted the arms and ammunition of the soldiers. More than 50 bullet marks have been found on the armored vehicle. During the search operation, troops have found terrorist hideouts in some natural caves in the area, which were possibly used by terrorists in the past. The Bhimber Gali-Poonch road, which was closed after the terror attack, has been reopened.
Meanwhile, Army’s Northern Commander Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi said necessary action was being taken to nab the terrorists responsible for the deadly attack. Officials said experts from various agencies, including the National Security Guard (NSG) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA), have visited the spot over the last two days for the probe.
