Army, Police Intensify Search Operations Across Poonch Amid Terror Alert

Security forces on Saturday launched a massive multi-area search operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch to track down suspected terrorists believed to be operating in the border district, officials said.

The operation was initiated across several locations in the district following a foiled infiltration attempt in the Mankote area of Mendhar tehsil on May 12. During the encounter, one suspected intruder was killed by security forces in the Krishna Ghati sector along the Line of Control (LoC).

Officials said joint teams of the Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police have been conducting extensive combing and search operations in more than five areas of Poonch district based on intelligence inputs regarding the possible movement of militants in the region.

Security forces have intensified surveillance and tightened security arrangements across the district in the wake of the infiltration bid. Additional checkpoints have been set up at key locations, while vehicles are being subjected to detailed inspections to prevent the movement of suspected militants or their associates.

According to officials, the operation involves coordinated searches in forested and mountainous areas near the LoC, which are often used as infiltration routes by terrorists attempting to enter from across the border.

There were also unconfirmed reports suggesting the possible presence of a high-profile foreign terrorist in the region. However, officials said no formal confirmation has been made so far regarding the identity or presence of any such militant.

The search operation was continuing till the filing of this report, with security agencies maintaining a high alert across the border district.