Akhnoor Encounter: 1 terrorist killed, NSG commandos roped in as forces launch final assault

Jammu: National Security Guard (NSG) commandos on Monday reached Akhnoor, where encounter between security forces and terrorists is underway, with one terrorists killed so far. The encounter broke out after terrorists targeted an Army vehicle in Jogwan area near the Line of Control today morning, however, no injuries were reported in the incident, officials said.

An official told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that terrorists fired upon an army vehicle at around 7 am in the Jogwan area, following which a massive search operation was launched.

He said that during the operation contact was established with the hiding terrorists. leading to a fierce gun fight. “Now NSG commandos have also joined the security forces to assist them in the anti-terrorist operation,” he said.

Jammu based defense spokesperson Lt Col Sunil Bartwal told KNO that one terrorist has been killed, and his body has been recovered along with a weapon.

Additional director general of police Jammu, Anand Jain, and DIG Jammu-Samba-Kathua range, Shiv Kumar are also present at the encounter site.

Sources said that security forces are preparing for a final assault, while army fired several rocket launchers towards the spot, where terrorists are believed to be hiding.

They said that there was no firing from terrorists since long after forces used rocket launchers. There has been no official confirmation if any terrorist has been killed in the encounter so far.

Earlier, a high alert was sounded for Jammu’s border districts, including Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Poonch, and Rajouri after recent terror attacks in Ganderbal and Baramulla.

The alert was sounded after a meeting was chaired by additional director general of police (ADGP) Jammu, Anand Jain with district SSPs—(KNO)