Indian soldier killed in line of duty as Army foils infiltration bid in Jammu’s Poonch

An Indian Army soldier was killed in action early onTuesday (July 23) as security forces thwarted an infiltration attempt by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists from across the Line of Control (LoC) in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials reported.

The encounter took place around 3 am in the Battal Sector, according to Lt Colonel Suneel Bartwal, the Army's Public Relations Officer in Jammu.

"Alert troops foiled an infiltration bid by effectively engaging infiltrating terrorists with effective fire," Lt Colonel Bartwal stated.

During the intense gunfight in the Krishna Ghati area, a soldier was injured. Sources cited by media said that the injured soldier was taken to a hospital but he succumbed to the injuries.

This incident follows a similar confrontation between infiltrating terrorists and security forcesin Rajouri district on Monday (July 22), where a terroristwas killed, and a soldier and a civilian sustained minor injuries. Terroristshad opened fire on the residence of Parshotam Kumar, a recently decorated village defence guard (VDG), in Rajouri’s Ghunda Khawas village.

Also watch |Gravitas: 'Major terror attack' on Army post thwarted in J&K's Rajouri; massive search op underway

Jammu and Kashmir has been witnessing a surge in terrorist activities recently, with numerous attacks targeting security forces, police, and civilians. Over the past three months, these attacks have resulted in the deaths of at least 10 security personnel, including two officers and seven pilgrims.

(With inputs from agencies)