NEW DELHI: The security forces on Tuesday said that the three terrorists who were neutralised in the recent counter-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir‘s Anknoor were heavily armed and were “here for a big purpose”. They also used an unmanned vehicle and artificial intelligence during the encounter with terrorists.
Briefing about the operation, GOC 10 Infantry Division Major General Sameer Srivastava said, “We conducted a very successful operation where we neutralised three terrorists. I am thankful to all the security forces. The terror attack in Akhnoor… We receive the information immediately from the people there as soon as someone new enters the area. This time too, we received the information and we acted accordingly.”
“Their purpose for which they had come wasn’t fulfilled and hence they opened fire at our convoy… The way terrorists were armed, we believe that they were here for a big purpose. Terrorist organisations had also posted that they were planning to do something big. Hence, we were prepared, and all the organisations including intelligence agencies were working in coordination,” he said at the press conference.
The military operation utilised autonomous vehicle and AI technology, leading to rapid and effective outcomes. Major General Shrivastava clarified the use of specific vehicle: “After this operation, such information was spreading that the Army had used BMP, we had used that kind of vehicle because the area was tough … with a gradient of 30 degrees and dense forest … we used those vehicles after locating militants to reach there…”
On the Army dog who was also killed in the attack, Major General Sameer Srivastava said, “We lost our one Army dog during the search operation. He has sacrificed his life because of whom a lot of lives were saved.”
Four-year-old sniffer dog Phantom was killed during a counter-ambush operation. It sustained fatal bullet injuries on Monday while attempting to protect the troops from the terrorist assault.
Born in May 2020, the Belgian Malinois sniffer dog was posted to the region in August 2022 and had been a vital part of multiple high-stakes missions. The canine warrior was issued from the Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) Centre of the Indian Army.
At the press conference, DIG Shiv Kumar Sharma of the Jammu-Samba-Kathua range, alongside Major General Shrivastava, discussed their ongoing coordination efforts with various authorities, including meetings with Jammu and Kashmir’s leadership.
DIG Sharma elaborated on their collaborative approach: “Recently, we have many meetings – including one with (Jammu and Kashmir) LG Manoj Sinha… The aim is that the coordination between the Army and the Police continue to be there – so that we can quickly neutralise if we track any terrorist presence anywhere. For that, our synergy is increasing day-to-day. This operation is one such example.”