Four Army personnel, including an officer, and a cop were killed during an encounter with heavily armed terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district on Monday. The attack was claimed by 'Kashmir Tigers', a shadow group of Pakistan-backed terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM).

"General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS, and all ranks of Indian Army convey their deepest condolences to the bravehearts Captain Brijesh Thapa, Naik D Rajesh, Sepoy Bijendra and Sepoy Ajay Naruka, who laid down their lives in the line of duty, while undertaking a counter terrorist operation in Doda in order to ensure peace in the region," the Army said in a statement.

The encounter took place when the troops of Rashtriya Rifles and Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a joint cordon and search operation at Dhari Gote Urarbagi in Desa forest belt, some 55 km from Doda town, late Monday evening.

After a brief exchange of fire, the officials said the terrorists attempted to escape but were chased by the troops led by an officer, despite challenging terrain and thick foliage, leading to another firefight in the woods at nearly 9 pm.

Five soldiers were critically injured in the encounter and four of them, including the officer, later succumbed to injuries, the officials confirmed.

In a statement, the terror group 'Kashmir Tigers' said the clash and gunfire erupted while the security forces launched a search operation for the "Mujahideen".

'Kashmir Tigers' is the same group which earlier claimed responsibility for the attack on an Army convoy in Kathua on July 9.

The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi, has apprised Defence Minister Rajnath Singh of the ground situation in Doda during their telephonic conversation.

THE DODA ENCOUNTER

Officials said the gunbattle began after a cordon and search operation was launched in the Desa forest area around 7.45 pm.

Security personnel suffered injuries during the exchange of fire, which initially lasted for over 20 minutes.

The injured were evacuated to hospital and their condition was stated to be "critical", officials said on Monday. The operation was ongoing as two to three terrorists were believed to be hiding in the area, they added.

According to the Army's 16 Corps, also known as White Knight Corps, contact with terrorists was established at about 9 pm when a heavy gunfight occurred.

"Initial reports suggest injuries to our bravehearts," White Knight Corps tweeted.

Source: indiatoday