Indian Soldiers Killed in Kashmir Ambush by Suspected Militants
Five Indian soldiers Killed in Kashmir in a recent ambush by suspected militants in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district, according to officials.
Deadly Attack in Jammu
Initial reports suggest militants hidden on a nearby hill opened fire on the soldiers' vehicles. Reinforcements were swiftly deployed, and a search operation is underway to locate the attackers.
While Kashmir has a long history of armed insurgency against Indian rule, violence in recent years had shown signs of decline.
Escalating Violence in Jammu
This attack marks a worrying escalation in violence in the region. Just last month, suspected militants targeted a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims, leaving nine dead and 33 injured.
Expressing deep grief over the loss of life, India's Defense Minister Rajnath Singh offered condolences to the bereaved families. "The nation stands with them during this difficult time," he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Five Indian soldiers killed in Kashmir ambush https://t.co/IBp02GE8hE
— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) July 9, 2024
Source: Twitter/BBCWorld
He assured ongoing counter-terrorist operations, with soldiers committed to restoring peace in the area.
Reports indicate the militants, whose exact number remains unknown, launched the surprise attack from a hillside, primarily targeting one military truck. Officials confirmed five soldiers were also injured in the assault.
Spike in Attacks in Jammu
Since June, there have been a concerning seven reported attacks in the usually peaceful Jammu region. This recent incident marks the second major attack in Kathua district within a month, and the second assault on the army in Jammu within just two days.
On June 11th, a shootout in Kathua claimed the lives of a soldier and two suspected militants. Just a day before this recent attack, another soldier was injured in an assault on an army camp located in Jammu's Rajouri district.
Terrible news. Fifth Indian Army soldiers has succumbed to his injuries in the hospital after the Kathua terror attack earlier today in J&K. 5 Indian Army soldiers killed in action. Terrorists threw grenade on the truck and began firing indiscriminately. Salute the bravehearts! https://t.co/01EyAAY6aP
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) July 8, 2024
Source: Twitter/Aditya Raj Kaul
The Himalayan region of Kashmir has been a source of tension between India and Pakistan for decades. The two nuclear-armed neighbors have fought two wars over this Muslim-majority territory, each claiming full control but only governing a portion.
Since 1989, an armed insurgency against Indian rule in Indian-administered Kashmir has led to thousands of casualties. India accuses Pakistan of supporting militants and disrupting regional peace, a claim Pakistan denies.
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